The thickness of a fiber optic cable varies greatly depending on its type and purpose. There isn't one single answer.
Fiber Core Thickness:
- The core of a single-mode fiber is extremely thin, measuring approximately 8-9 microns in diameter. This is about the width of a human hair. [CampLex, IRA INAF]
- Multimode fiber cores are larger, coming in two standard sizes: 62.5 or 50 microns. [CampLex, IRA INAF]
Cladding and Overall Cable Diameter:
- Both single-mode and multimode fibers have a cladding layer surrounding the core. This cladding is typically 125 microns in diameter. [CampLex, IRA INAF]
- The overall diameter of a fiber optic cable (which includes the fiber, cladding, protective coatings, and possibly additional strength members) varies significantly. A single fiber strand is much thinner than the cable it's part of.
Examples of Cable Diameters:
- Home installation: A single fiber optic cable for home internet service might have an outer diameter of around 1/4 inch (6.35mm), though the ends can be slightly thicker (around 3/8 inch or 9.5mm). [Reddit - ATTFiber]
- Large cable bundles: Larger bundles of fiber optic cables used in data centers or for long-distance communication can be considerably thicker, reaching up to three inches (76.2mm) in diameter. [Reddit - mildlyinteresting]
- Submarine cables: Submarine communication cables are much larger still, with diameters often around 69mm (2.7 inches), due to their robust construction for protection against the harsh underwater environment. [Quora]
- Specific Product Example: Some commercially available cables have a 2.0mm thick outer diameter. [FiberCablesDirect]
- High fiber count cables may be installable within 1.25 inch (32mm) conduit. [FOA]
In summary, the thickness of a fiber optic cable is highly dependent on its application and design. While the fiber itself is incredibly thin, the complete cable can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
