Why and How Are Fiber Optic Cables Color Coded?


Connecting the wrong cable can lead to malfunction, which no one has time for. So, why are fiber optic cables color coded, and how are the colors decided?

Fiber optic cables are surrounded by a type of protective tube called a jacket. These jackets are color-coded, mainly because it makes it very simple to tell the difference between different cables. Not all fiber optic cables do the same thing or contain the same number of fibers. It’s important to know which is which, because each serves a different purpose. Connecting the wrong cable can lead to malfunction, which no one has time for. So, why are fiber optic cables color coded, and how are the colors decided? Read on to find out.

Industry Standard Classifications

There are actually many ways in which a jacket can indicate what kind of optical fiber is being used. First of all, the number of individual fibers are often shown through a color coded system. There are 12 colors in total, each of which has a specific number associated with it. This is how fiber optic professionals determine what they’re dealing with. Likewise, you can determine jacket color through the fiber type and class, as well as the diameter. For example, multimode OM2 cables with a 50 micron core diameter are colored orange, whereas single-mode OS2 cables are most commonly jacketed in yellow. A full understanding of this color coding system often requires extensive knowledge about fiber optics.

Government and Military Classifications

When it comes to government and military networks, you can forget everything you know about industry standard classifications. This is because the government end users color code their cabling to match specific network classifications. A few of the most common networks and their associated colors are SIPR (red), NIPR/UNCLASS (green), JWICS (yellow), and BICES (blue). To determine the optical fiber used, one must read the information that is imprinted on the jacket.

DMSI is ready to work with you to customize your fiber optic network!

We focus on custom product manufacturing for fiber optic connectivity. We will engineer solutions to any customer’s specs and needs, and we create end-to-end solutions so you won’t be left in the dark. DMSI strives to provide our customers with the highest quality product above industry standards at a competitive cost.

Do you need a custom fiber optic connectivity solution? DMSI specializes in custom design solutions. We work all over the world to provide solutions from our headquarters in Venice, Florida. Our goal is to provide you with the perfect solutions, designs, and cabling.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates on our business and related cabling information.

The Advantages of Using Fiber Optic Technology For Internet Connections


Broadband used to be slow and inconvenient. However, with fiber optic technology, all of that has changed.

You probably still remember about ten years ago, when connecting to the internet was a hassle. Not being able to use the phone, waiting ages for sites to load, and using only one computer at a time–broadband used to be slow and inconvenient. However, with fiber optic technology, all of that has changed. Now, it’s easier than ever to secure a lightning-fast download time. You can browse the web with incredible speed. And if your internet connection can’t do any of that, read on to discover why you should be participating in the fiber optic network.

Fiber Optics Are Faster

Fiber optic cables are proven to provide faster information transfer than any other broadband cable. The actual test results for these cables are astounding, and can prove just how much we’re moving forward with internet technology. If you’re experiencing any slowdown at all with your current internet connection, it can be a huge problem. This is especially true for time-sensitive projects and communications. Fiber optic technology can change that.

Better Materials

These cables work by transferring information through a beam of light. Because of this, fiber optic cables are not at risk for catching fire like metal cables. In fact, metal cables also present the problem of electromagnetic interference if they aren’t installed perfectly. This can mean even slower internet, and energy loss within the cables, causing the information to transfer slowly. Fiber optics can transfer information over great distances, and are virtually interference-free.

Moving Forward

Simply put, joining a fiber optic network will help you to move forward into the future. In the coming years, fiber optics will eventually replace the need for metal cables. But, as of right now, fiber optics present a competitive edge. The best way to keep up with internet changes is to achieve the best speed, connection, and functionality.

Interested in installing a fiber optic connectivity design? DMSI can help!

DMSI is ready to work with you to customize your fiber optic network!

We focus on custom product manufacturing for fiber optic connectivity. We will engineer solutions to any customer’s specs and needs, and we create end-to-end solutions so you won’t be left in the dark. DMSI strives to provide our customers with the highest quality product above industry standards at a lower cost.

Do you need a custom fiber optic connectivity solution? DMSI specializes in custom design solutions. We work all over the world to provide solutions from our headquarters in Venice, Florida. Our goal is to provide you with the perfect solutions, designs, and cabling.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates on our business and related cabling information.

Exciting Future Trends in the Fiber Optic Industry

These days, everyone is interested in speed. Getting tasks done quickly is one of our biggest concerns as a society; technological culture forces us to think in terms of efficiency. You’ll notice that only ten years ago, we were just leaving the broadband internet era. Now, if the device in our pocket doesn’t connect us to the internet in a matter of seconds, it becomes incredibly difficult to move forward. Fiber optics have existed for years, but they’re just now being used in excess; the fiber optic industry is growing with every passing day. It’s time to take a look at a few of the trends we’re seeing, in order to predict where the future is going to take us.


Fiber optics have existed for years, but they’re just now being used in excess; the fiber optic industry is growing with every passing day.

Only Gaining Speed

We’re not going to slow down–that’s a fact. If you feel like we’ve been rushing forward for a decade, make sure you’re hanging on. Fiber optics are being used with increasing frequency in order to keep our connections running quickly. There’s something called a fiber optic transmission limit, which is the furthest a signal can travel through a fiber optic cable before it fizzles out. Photonics researchers from the University of California San Diego were able to transmit a signal for 7,456 miles without any hindrance in frequency. This is an incredible distance! When it comes to wiring the entire country’s network, we need cables that can transmit large distances. This test also allowed for them to boost the signal up to 2,000% percent.

Increased Usage

You’ve probably noticed that fiber optics have started to sweep many industries. What started with basic landline and television transmissions turned into internet connections. Then, fiber optics were being used by cable companies and other large tech industry giants, like Google and AT&T. Now, we use these cables for just about everything–security cameras, Wi-Fi, and more. With an increasing fiber optic transmission limit, the fiber optic industry is sure to grow exponentially in the coming years. It’s just another great reason to start investing in custom fiber optic cable designs.

Do you need a custom fiber optic cable design? DMSI can help!

DMSI is ready to work with you to customize your fiber optic network!

We focus on custom product manufacturing for fiber optic connectivity. We will engineer solutions to any customer’s specs and needs, and we create end-to-end solutions so you won’t be left in the dark. DMSI strives to provide our customers with the highest quality product above industry standards at a competitive cost.

Do you need a custom fiber optic connectivity solution? DMSI specializes in custom design solutions. We work all over the world to provide solutions from our headquarters in Venice, Florida. Our goal is to provide you with the perfect solutions, designs, and cabling.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates on our business and related cabling information.

All You Need to Know About Fiber Optics

Diversified Material Specialists, Inc. provides fiber optic solutions!

Fiber optic connectivity–what is it? For many, the concept of fiber optic cabling is limited to the knowledge that they transmit data using light. And even though these cables have been used for decades, it’s still considered a step into the future when they’re utilized. At Diversified Materials Specialists, Incorporated, we focus on fiber optic connectivity product design and manufacturing. Our reach is global; we work with everyone and every type of customer. We don’t hesitate to serve the Department of Defense, because we know that fiber optic cabling is the best way to keep information secure. Here’s a quick rundown on how our industry works, and the basics of fiber optic cabling.

What are some products involved in fiber optic connectivity?

End users have many different requirements on how and where they need a fiber network installed. We produce a range of product family solutions to help you accomplish your requirement according to your personal needs; they are Classic, PRM, and LGX compatible.

Next comes the actual fiber optic cable. DMSI provides high quality, American made and UL listed cables that are fully traceable. We have multiple types of optical fiber and cabling, including tight buffered cable for indoor purposes, indoor/outdoor, and interconnect zipcord cables. Optical fiber solutions include any standard single or multimode fiber, as well as speciality types. We can also customize jacket rating and colors; but you can always contact us for more details!

Among other products, we have faceplates, module jacks, jumpers, media converters, cleaning tools, and more. Please check out our website for more information on what products we are able to provide!

So, how does it work?

The concept of fiber optics is seemingly confusing. But don’t worry–we’re here to help explain the nature of fiber optic cabling. Do you remember dial-up internet? DSL cables were used for this, and they were slow and inefficient. The problem with DSL and coaxial copper cables lies in the fact that their information ends up in a bottleneck. With information caught up in the ether, it makes the transmission of information across a network incredibly slow. As you can imagine, when the Department of Defense is transferring information, they need to be able to work quickly and efficiently.

That’s where the concept of fiber optics comes in. Fiber optic cabling allows for easy transmission across long distances–for instance, you may have heard of these cables being used by cable companies to deliver you internet, television, and phone services. The concept is as follows: fiber optic cabling uses light, so there is no end to how far the information can travel.

What other products are used with fiber optic cabling?

Fiber optics require a bit more than just a cable and a connectivity box. DMSI can provide plenty of these for your application; but, let’s go over a few of them and what they do. A pre-terminated trunk cable, for example, is a way to connect multiple fibers for easy and fast deployment versus timely field termination. There’s also a fiber jumper, which is essentially a cable that allows fast connections to passive or active ports. Attenuators, loopbacks, and adapters are used similarly for connecting and testing; think of them as the equivalent of a Mac adapter. You need to change the type of port between connections to transfer information from an Apple computer to a system that only has a connection for a PC. The process is similar; some fiber optic cables have different connectors that need to be changed before they can be connected to certain panels.

What are the advantages of using fiber optic cabling?

There is virtually no reason to use any other type of network cabling. First of all, they use much less energy than traditional copper cabling. This makes them more efficient, and far more technologically advanced. These cables and their network systems will last for years to come, even if there is new technology on the way. Fiber also has the ability to handle heavy loads of bandwidth. Connecting from multiple devices is often necessary for high security facilities. With fiber, this is easy.

Fiber optics cannot be interfered with. They are not affected by electromagnetic pulses like copper cables. For this reason, fiber is incredibly secure, as it’s difficult to intercept information if it isn’t electromagnetically transmitted. And copper cables can be tapped without much effort or indication. Keep yourself safe and protected when you use fiber optic cabling for your network.

Do you need a custom fiber optic cable design? DMSI can help!

DMSI is ready to work with you to customize your fiber optic network!

We focus on custom product manufacturing for fiber optic connectivity. We will engineer solutions to any customer’s specs and needs, and we create end-to-end solutions so you won’t be left in the dark. DMSI strives to provide our customers with the highest quality product above industry standards at a competitive cost.

Do you need a custom fiber optic connectivity solution? DMSI specializes in custom design solutions. We work all over the world to provide solutions from our headquarters in Venice, Florida. Our goal is to provide you with the perfect solutions, designs, and cabling.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates on our business and related cabling information.

How Fiber Optic Cables Can Help You

With fiber optic cables, you’re choosing to upgrade to a more efficient way of completing tasks. A network that runs on fiber optic cables is one that runs smoothly. Instead of using traditional networking techniques, fiber optics have essentially replaced the once-dominant wire method. The difference is in the material used to make these fibers. The cables are basically thin strands drawn from molten silica glass. The information that is processed through these is converted into light, which then gives way to the transmission itself. With fiber optic cables, there are a few areas where you stand to benefit, and today we’re going to detail them here.

Internet Connection

One of the primary reasons many companies are employing fiber optic cables is due to the overall speed it provides. With this technology, the ability to easily send and receive large amounts of data occurs without a hitch. Looking at previous configurations, larger amounts of data would take a longer amount of time to transmit. However, with fiber optics, the technology allows information to travel at a faster speed with no worries of anything stalling in the process. This means production won’t take a hit, and will actually see an increase.

Calling, Support and Customer Service

In what may be a noticeable theme here, the advent of fiber optic cables increases the speed of a process. So, for example, whether it’s a call center or just standard customer support over the phone, you won’t have to worry about a call lagging or even dropping. This is crucial, because a slow response in customer support could ultimately end up costing you business.

Military and Data Transferred

With the military and many defense firms that hold highly classified information, it’s important that those matters are secured and sustainable. Whether it’s defending specific intelligence or processing aeronautical or aerospace data, a reliable security is needed. Fiber optic cables give defense companies the ability to transmit this data in a safe and timely manner.

Do you need a custom fiber optic cable design? DMSI can help!

DMSI is ready to work with you to customize your fiber optic network!

We focus on custom product manufacturing for fiber optic connectivity. We will engineer solutions to any customer’s specs and needs, and we create end-to-end solutions so you won’t be left in the dark. DMSI strives to provide our customers with the highest quality product above industry standards at a competitive cost.

Do you need a custom fiber optic connectivity solution? DMSI specializes in custom design solutions. We work all over the world to provide solutions from our headquarters in Venice, Florida. Our goal is to provide you with the perfect solutions, designs, and cabling.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates on our business and related cabling information.

3 Reasons Why Fiber Optic Cables Will Make Life Much Easier


With fiber optic cables, daily tasks will be made much easier.

In today’s world, we’re all looking for things as quickly as possible. We want our information to come to us rapidly, and we want to deliver messages faster than ever. Fortunately, that capability is well within reach. With fiber optic cables, the world will move at a pace similar to the Star Trek Enterprise at warp speed. However, speed is not the only factor, as there are plenty of other perks that come along with using this type of technology.

Yeah, It’s Pretty Fast

It’s also pretty simple, but still needs to be mentioned: the productivity of your business will substantially increase with fiber optic connectivity. Why is that? Well, it depends on the type of outcome you want. Not only will it result in an employee that works more effectively, but you’ll also see employees enjoying their time in the workplace, and actively thinking about results they could produce. The alternative is an employee that spends more time waiting for something to load. That period gives way to frustration, and you’re left with a disgruntled associate who will negatively impact the workplace culture.

You Won’t Have To Worry

When you can trust that nothing will falter, it’s an invaluable experience. In comparison to copper wires, well, there really is no competition. The internet connectivity and capacity of a copper wire pales in comparison to that of fiber optics. The strength in the cable itself, through physical composition and signal, allows companies to relax day to day. It also gives way to greater reliability, both in the office and also for your customers. If your functionality throughout the workplace is lacking, then it definitely will not be a pleasant experience for those that are trying to work with you.

Video Support

Whether it’s through training, conferencing or other factors, videos are commonplace. However, the downside to video is that it can sometimes take an incredibly long time to load. The beauty of fiber optic cables is that they eliminate issues of latency or poor connectivity, due to the amount of data that can be processed at once.


DMSI Can Install Your Fiber Optic System Today!

DMSI is ready to work with you to customize your fiber optic network!

We focus on custom product manufacturing for fiber optic connectivity. We will engineer solutions to any customer’s specs and needs, and we create end-to-end solutions so you won’t be left in the dark. DMSI strives to provide our customers with the highest quality product above industry standards at a competitive cost.

Do you need a custom fiber optic connectivity solution? DMSI specializes in custom design solutions. We work all over the world to provide solutions from our headquarters in Venice, Florida. Our goal is to provide you with the perfect solutions, designs, and cabling.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates on our business and related cabling information.

The Fascinating and Scientific History of Fiber Optics

Would you believe us if we told you that the concept of fiber optics traces back to the 1790s? It’s true–what we see today as modern technology is centuries old. The scientific history of fiber optics is what led us to the fiber optic cables we use today. Before you start to look into fiber optics as a technological solution, perhaps you should spend some time reading up on where the concept originated, and how it’s evolved. Read on for more!

The Early Days

The French Chappe brothers invented the optical telegraph in the 1790s. This was essentially a system of communicating between towers; operators would use light as a way to spell out messages. This was the first real step forward regarding fiber optic science. Then, British physicist, John Tyndall, proved that light could be bent through water streams. His findings were what changed how we view fiber optics as a scientific field of study. Since we discovered this, inventors for the next century or so attempted to use this physical property for any purpose. Fiber optic science was used to propose home lighting through glass tubes, and even early telephone designs were done with fiber optics. Thus, the fiber optic industry was kickstarted.

How Fiber Optics Evolved

After the initial surge in interest, fiber optic technology only grew. Soon, it was discovered that fiber optic cables could transmit light, and subsequently, data, with much less interference than a copper cable. Through the 1950s and beyond, fiber optic technology went into developing lasers, and even the material that comprises neon signs. All this culminated, finally, in 1979 when a fiber optic system was used to transmit telephone signals in Long Beach, California. Since then, technology has only grown; from telephone lines to internet transmission, fiber optics quietly provide us with nearly all of our technology. And what’s more, the technology will only continue to grow over time! It’s exciting to imagine where fiber optic science will take us next.


DMSI Can Install Your Fiber Optic System Today!

DMSI is ready to work with you to customize your fiber optic network!

We focus on custom product manufacturing for fiber optic connectivity. We will engineer solutions to any customer’s specs and needs, and we create end-to-end solutions so you won’t be left in the dark. DMSI strives to provide our customers with the highest quality product above industry standards at a competitive cost.

Do you need a custom fiber optic connectivity solution? DMSI specializes in custom design solutions. We work all over the world to provide solutions from our headquarters in Venice, Florida. Our goal is to provide you with the perfect solutions, designs, and cabling.

Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for more updates on our business and related cabling information.