In optic fiber sizes indicated as 50/125, what does the number 50 represent?

In the designation of fiber optic sizes such as 50/125, the number 50 refers to the diameter of the core of the optical fiber, measured in micrometers (µm). The core is the central part of the fiber through which light signals are transmitted. A 50-micron core is commonly used in multimode fibers, allowing multiple light paths to travel through it simultaneously, which is particularly beneficial for short-distance communication.

The second number, 125, indicates the diameter of the cladding that surrounds the core, which serves to reflect light back into the core and maintain the integrity of the signal. The cladding’s diameter is larger than that of the core, ensuring that light remains within the core through total internal reflection. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for selecting the appropriate type of optical fiber for specific networking applications, as they influence light transmission efficiency and bandwidth capabilities.