One Size Doesn’t Fit All
With the increasing shift toward smart infrastructure, remote work, high-speed internet, and data-driven systems, fiber optic cable has become an essential building block for projects across Pakistan. From FTTH (Fiber to the Home) deployments in Lahore to large-scale enterprise installations in Islamabad, fiber cables are everywhere.
But choosing the right fiber optic cable is more than just picking a number of cores. It involves understanding your network’s technical requirements, environment, budget, future expansion, and even compliance standards. This guide by Litech Pakistan will help you make the right choice — whether you’re a contractor, IT manager, ISP, or government buyer.
Step 1: Understand Your Project Requirements
✅ What Are You Connecting?
Start by defining the type of connection you’re building. Are you:
- Connecting a single home?
- Extending internet across office floors?
- Linking buildings in a university or hospital?
- Building a metro fiber backbone?
Your use case determines both the core count and cable structure. For example:
- 2 Core is enough for a single link between two points.
- 12 or 24 Core is better for connecting multiple devices or creating redundancy.
✅ How Far Are You Going?
Fiber comes in Single Mode (SM) or Multi Mode (MM):
- Single Mode (9/125 µm): Long-distance, up to 40+ km — ideal for outdoor/underground runs or ISP backbones.
- Multi Mode (50/125 µm): Short-range (up to 500m) — best for indoor links within data centers or campuses.
Step 2: Choose the Right Core Count
Each fiber core is an independent path for data. Think of it like lanes on a highway — more lanes mean more capacity or redundancy.
| Core Count | Recommended For | Litech Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Core | Homes, CCTV, GPON | Best for FTTH, small offices |
| 4 Core | Duplex homes, retail shops | Good for future growth |
| 6 Core | Schools, SMEs, multi-floor buildings | Popular for small campuses |
| 12 Core | Universities, hospitals, ISPs | Supports VLANs, CCTV, VoIP |
| 24 Core | Metro fiber, data centers | Enterprise-grade traffic handling |
Tip from Litech: Always choose a slightly higher core count than you currently need. Unused cores serve as spares and reduce downtime in case of failure.
Step 3: Select the Correct Cable Type
🔹 Indoor vs. Outdoor Installation
- Indoor Cable: Lightweight, uses PVC sheath, flexible. Ideal for ducting inside buildings.
- Outdoor Cable: Built to survive sun, rain, and temperature extremes. Usually has PE or LSZH sheath.
🔹 Armored vs. Non-Armored
- Armored Cable: Contains a steel or aluminum layer for protection. Suitable for underground burial or rodent-prone areas like rural Punjab or industrial zones in Karachi.
- Non-Armored Cable: Lighter and easier to install indoors. Cheaper but must be protected during installation.
🔹 Aerial or Ducted?
- Aerial Cable: Includes messenger wire (steel rope) for pole-to-pole installation.
- Duct Cable: Designed for pulling through conduits and underground pipes.
Step 4: Think About Future-Proofing
Fiber installation isn’t something you want to redo every few years. With 5G and smart systems rolling out across Pakistan, future-proofing is critical.
Key Tips:
- Go for LSZH cables in schools, hospitals, or data centers — they emit no toxic smoke in fire.
- Use gel-filled cables in flood-prone or underground areas (like Hyderabad or Sukkur).
- Choose 12-core or higher for business networks to support future IoT and surveillance needs.
- Always label and document unused cores for future expansion.
Step 5: Don’t Compromise on Quality
Cheap cables may save you money upfront but often lead to:
- Signal loss and increased latency
- Breakage during pulling or splicing
- Faster wear in Pakistan’s harsh climate
Litech Pakistan ensures:
- Core-to-core consistency with <0.35 dB/km attenuation
- High tensile strength (≥3000N) for secure installation
- UV, flame, and rodent resistance
- Full certification under ISO 9001 and 14001
We also supply accessories like patch panels, splice closures, pigtails, and OTDR testing services.
Step 6: Compare Prices — Core-by-Core
Here’s a quick look at 2025 fiber cable prices in Pakistan:
| Core Count | Price/ Meter (PKR) | Type Available |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Core | 35 – 50 | PVC, PE |
| 4 Core | 45 – 70 | PE, LSZH |
| 6 Core | 55 – 85 | PE Armored |
| 12 Core | 90 – 130 | Armored, Gel |
| 24 Core | 160 – 220 | Gel-filled, Aerial |
Bulk orders qualify for discounts. Custom sheath colors, labeling, and packaging are also available.
Expert Advice for Specific Scenarios in Pakistan
🏠 FTTH Installations in Housing Societies
Choose 2–4 core PVC/PE Litech cable. If poles are used, ask for messenger wire.
🏢 Office Buildings in Karachi or Lahore
Use 6–12 core LSZH cable between floors and PE armored for outdoor entry.
🏥 Hospitals or Schools
Use flame-retardant, low-smoke LSZH cable for safe indoor use. Minimum 6-core preferred.
🛰️ ISPs and Data Centers
Always choose 12 or 24-core armored cables. Opt for gel-filled if burying. Plan with core redundancy.
FAQs: Choosing the Right Fiber Cable
Q1: What’s the difference between PE and LSZH sheaths?
PE is rugged and weather-resistant — good for outdoor use. LSZH is flame-retardant and low-toxicity — ideal for indoors.
Q2: Can one fiber cable handle internet and CCTV together?
Yes. Each service can run on its own core or wavelength, depending on equipment.
Q3: What cable do I need for 100 Mbps vs. 1 Gbps?
Speed depends more on transceivers and equipment, but single-mode fiber supports both easily over long distances.
Q4: Can I request custom fiber cable length?
Yes! Litech Pakistan offers custom cut-to-length cables with labeling and packaging options.
Q5: Do I need splicing tools for installation?
Yes. For core counts above 2, proper fusion splicing or mechanical connectors are required. Litech provides tools and training on request.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fiber optic cable is the difference between a network that performs consistently and one that fails unexpectedly. With Litech Pakistan’s wide range of fiber products — from 2-core to 24-core, armored or non-armored, PE or LSZH — you’re covered for every project type.
From home installations to data center backbones, we supply cables tailored to Pakistan’s climate, regulations, and telecom landscape. And we back it all with expert support and nationwide delivery.
👉 Need help selecting your fiber cable? Contact Litech Pakistan today for free consultation, project design, and discounted rates on bulk orders.
