FIbre-optic
Fibre-Optic & High-Speed Network Solutions
In today’s fast-paced digital environment, businesses rely on robust, high-speed infrastructure to support daily operations, growth, and innovation. At Graeme Ashley LTD, we specialise in the design and installation of advanced fibre-optic and data communication systems that deliver speed, reliability, and scalability.
Whether you're upgrading an existing network or implementing a new system, our solutions are tailored to meet the increasing demands of modern workplaces enhancing productivity, streamlining communication, and supporting future expansion.
Why Choose Our Fibre-Optic Services?
- High-Speed Connectivity Faster data transfer rates for seamless communication and efficient workflows.
- Reliable Infrastructure Reduced downtime and improved network stability across your organisation.
- Scalable Solutions Systems designed to grow with your business and adapt to evolving technology needs.
- Nationwide Coverage We deliver consistently high standards of work across the UK, regardless of project size or location.
- Expert Installation Our experienced engineers ensure every installation meets industry standards and is optimised for performance.
Fibre-Optic Cable Types & Standards
At Graeme Ashley LTD, we offer a wide range of fibre-optic cable types to meet the specific performance and infrastructure needs of your business. Whether you're upgrading an existing network or installing a new one, we ensure all solutions are compliant with international standards such as ISO/IEC 11801, ISO/IEC 24702, and BS EN 50173, which define the performance and classification of fibre-optic cabling systems.
Multimode Fibre Types (OM Series)
Multimode fibres are ideal for short-distance, high-bandwidth applications such as LANs, data centres, and campus networks. We supply and install the following types:
- OM1
- Bandwidth: 200 MHz·km
- Max Distance @10GbE: 33 m
- Light Source: LED
- Standard: ISO/IEC 11801
- Use Case: Legacy systems, low-speed short links
- OM2
- Bandwidth: 500 MHz·km
- Max Distance @10GbE: 82 m
- Light Source: LED
- Standard: ISO/IEC 11801
- Use Case: 1GbE applications, short to medium distances
- OM3
- Bandwidth: 2000 MHz·km
- Max Distance @10GbE: 300 m
- Light Source: VCSEL
- Standard: ISO/IEC 11801 Type A1a.2
- Use Case: 10–100GbE in data centres
- OM3e (Enhanced OM3)
- Similar to OM3 but with improved modal bandwidth and performance for extended distances and higher data rates.
- OM4
- Bandwidth: 4700 MHz·km
- Max Distance @10GbE: 550 m
- Light Source: VCSEL
- Standard: ISO/IEC 11801 Type A1a.3
- Use Case: High-speed backbone links, 40/100GbE
Single mode Fibre Types
Single mode fibres are designed for long-distance, high-capacity transmission, typically used in telecom networks and inter-building connections.
- OS1
- Attenuation: ≤1.0 dB/km
- Max Distance: Up to 2 km
- Standard: BS EN 50173-1
- Use Case: Indoor backbone cabling
- OS2
- Attenuation: ≤0.4 dB/km
- Max Distance: Up to 80 km
- Standard: ISO/IEC 24702, BS EN 50173
- Use Case: Outdoor and long-distance applications
All installations are carried out to the highest standards, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and optimal performance for your business. Our team will help you select the most suitable fibre type based on your operational needs, budget, and future scalability.
Network Upgrades, Additions & Repairs
At Graeme Ashley LTD, we understand the importance of maintaining uninterrupted connectivity in your workplace. That’s why we offer flexible solutions for upgrading, expanding, or modifying your existing network infrastructure without compromising your current operations.
Seamless Network Integration
Whether you're looking to enhance performance or expand capacity, we can design and install a new network alongside your existing system, ensuring zero downtime during the transition. Our engineers work efficiently to keep your current network live while implementing improvements, so your business continues to run smoothly.
Cost-Effective Repairs & Maintenance
Accidental damage or wear to your existing installation? No problem. We provide fast, reliable repairs at minimal cost, helping you avoid extended disruptions and unnecessary expenses. Our team is equipped to diagnose and resolve issues quickly, restoring your systems to full functionality with minimal impact on your operations.
Fibre-Optic Components & Installation Standards
At Graeme Ashley LTD, we supply and install a wide range of high-performance fibre-optic components designed to meet the demands of modern network infrastructure. Our solutions are built for durability, scalability, and compliance with recognised industry standards, ensuring long-term reliability and ease of maintenance.
Component Range
We offer and install the following fibre-optic components:
- Patch Panels Compatible with all major connector types including SC, ST, LC, FC, and E2000, our patch panels provide secure and organised termination points for fibre cables. These can be rack-mounted or wall-mounted and are designed to support efficient cable management and future expansion.
- Fibre Distribution Cabinets – Engineered for both indoor and outdoor environments, these cabinets house and protect fibre terminations and splices, ensuring clean and secure distribution.
- Splice Boxes & Trays Used to organise and protect fibre splices, these units are essential for maintaining signal integrity and simplifying maintenance.
- Splice Joints & Hubs Designed for high-density environments, these components facilitate the joining of multiple fibre strands while maintaining mechanical and environmental protection.
- Branch Joints Ideal for splitting fibre routes to multiple destinations, branch joints are used in complex network topologies and are built to withstand harsh conditions.
Standards & Compliance
All installations are carried out in accordance with the following standards:
- BS EN IEC 61753-131-03:2021 Specifies performance standards for single-mode mechanical fibre splices in outdoor protected environments1.
- NECA/FOA 301-2016 The American National Standard for installing and testing fibre optics, covering safety, installation practices, and testing procedures2.
- ISO/IEC 11801 International standard for generic cabling systems, including fibre-optic components used in commercial buildings and data centres3.
- ANSI/TIA-568 & ANSI/TIA-606 Standards for telecommunications cabling and infrastructure administration, ensuring consistent labelling, documentation, and performance2.
These standards ensure that our installations are not only technically sound but also future-proof, safe, and compliant with national and international regulations.
Blown Fibre Installation Services
At Graeme Ashley LTD, we offer advanced blown fibre installation solutions designed to meet the growing demands of modern network infrastructure. This method provides a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional cabling ideal for businesses seeking high-speed connectivity with minimal disruption.
What Is Blown Fibre?
Blown fibre technology uses compressed air to propel lightweight fibre-optic cables through pre-installed micro ducts. This approach allows for rapid deployment over long distances—often thousands of metres—without the need for extensive manual cable pulling. It also enables future network expansion with minimal labour and downtime, making it a smart investment for growing organisations.
Benefits of Blown Fibre Installation
- Speed & Efficiency – Fibre can be installed quickly over large areas, significantly reducing installation time.
- Scalability – Additional fibres can be blown into spare ducts as needed, without disturbing existing infrastructure.
- Cost Savings – Reduced labour and installation time translate to lower overall project costs.
- Minimal Disruption – Existing networks remain live during upgrades or expansions.
- Future-Proofing – Ideal for environments where bandwidth demands are expected to grow.
Standards & Compliance
All blown fibre installations are carried out in accordance with the following standards:
- BS EN 50174-1, -2, and -3 These standards cover cabling installation specifications, planning, and practices for both indoor and outdoor environments1.
- BS EN 50173 Series Defines performance requirements for generic cabling systems across various premises types, including commercial, industrial, and residential1.
- ISO/IEC 11801 International standard for structured cabling systems, including fibre-optic networks.
- BS 7718 Code of practice for the installation of fibre-optic cabling, including design, workmanship, and quality assurance2.
Our engineers follow strict guidelines for duct preparation, fibre blowing, splicing, and testing to ensure optimal performance and long-term reliability.
Fibre-Optic Testing & Certification
At Graeme Ashley LTD, we ensure every fibre-optic installation meets the highest standards of performance and reliability through rigorous testing and certification. We use industry-leading equipment, including Fluke Networks DTX-1800 and Optical Time Domain Reflectometers (OTDRs), to verify the integrity and performance of your network infrastructure.
Advanced Testing Equipment
- Fluke DTX-1800 CableAnalyzer™
This device is widely recognised for its accuracy and speed in certifying copper and fibre cabling to TIA/EIA, ISO/IEC, and BS EN 50173 standards. It provides detailed diagnostics, including insertion loss, return loss, and length measurements, ensuring your network is fully compliant and future-ready. - OTDR Testing
Our OTDR tools allow us to detect faults, splices, and bends along the fibre path with precision. This non-intrusive method is essential for verifying long-distance links and identifying potential issues before they impact performance.
Standards & Compliance
All testing is conducted in accordance with:
- BS EN 61280-4-1 / 4-2 – Standards for fibre-optic communication subsystem test procedures, including attenuation and return loss.
- ISO/IEC 14763-3 – International standard for testing of optical fibre cabling in support of ISO/IEC 11801.
- TIA-568.3-D – North American standard for optical fibre cabling and components.
Test Reports & Documentation
Upon completion of your project, we provide comprehensive test results and certification reports—delivered via email or post. These documents serve as proof that your installation meets or exceeds all relevant performance and safety standards, giving you complete peace of mind.
Accreditation
