Buried Fiber
Direct-Burial Fiber
For long runs (over 300 ft) and future-proofing. More work to terminate, but no distance limit to speak of.
Direct-burial fiber is the answer for long runs (over 328 ft), for buildings that need more than gigabit, and for anyone who wants a link they'll never have to think about again. Fiber isn't affected by lightning surges, ground loops, RF interference, or distance the way copper is. The install is more work — termination is the part that intimidates most people — but once it's in, it's effectively permanent.
Is direct-burial fiber right for you?
- Distance between buildings is over ~300 ft (past ethernet's 100 m limit)
- You want a link that's unaffected by lightning and EMI
- You're future-proofing — fiber will carry 10G, 40G, 100G with only the end electronics changing
- You're digging a trench anyway for other utilities
- Distance is under 300 ft — direct-burial ethernet is cheaper, terminations are easier, and it's plenty fast.
- You can't trench — point-to-point is the non-trenching answer.
- You're on a tight budget — fiber end electronics and pre-terminated cables add cost.
The gear
Fiber is trickier to source than copper because you're picking both the fiber cable and the right transceivers (SFP modules) at each end. We recommend pre-terminated OS2 single-mode fiber — it ships with LC connectors already spliced on, so you skip the expensive fusion splicer.
Your shopping list typically includes:
- Pre-terminated single-mode OS2 armored fiber cable, length to match your run (usually 100–300 m)
- Two SFP+ transceivers (one per end) compatible with your switches
- Two fiber patch panels or direct-to-switch connections
- Surge protection is generally not required (fiber is dielectric — no metal, no lightning path), but the end electronics still need surge protection on their power supplies.
Because exact model matching depends on your switches, we don't stock a single "best" fiber product — the correct choice depends on your switch's SFP compatibility list. Ubiquiti, MikroTik, and FS.com all sell pre-terminated armored fiber in common lengths, plus matching SFPs.
FS.com is the go-to for custom pre-terminated fiber. Specify: OS2 single-mode, LC/UPC connectors, armored outdoor jacket, length with 10 ft extra on each end. For SFPs, match the switch brand's compatibility list or buy FS.com's "coded for $brand" SFPs.
Build your shopping list (excluding fiber itself)
The fiber and SFPs need to be matched to your specific switches, so order those from FS.com or your switch vendor. The items below are the rest of what a typical install needs.
Build your shopping list
Check off what you already own — we'll tailor the list to what's left.
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Install: step by step
1. Plan the route and depth
Longer runs are fine with fiber (up to kilometers with single-mode), so take the straight practical route. Bury at local code depth — typically 18–24 inches. Always use conduit if you can — fiber is more fragile than copper.
2. Pull the pre-terminated fiber
Pre-terminated cable comes with both ends factory-made. Protect the connectors during the pull — LC connectors shipped with pulling socks or bags. If you damage an LC connector, you need a fusion splicer (~$1,500) or you're ordering new cable.
3. Install SFP transceivers
Insert one SFP into a spare SFP port on each switch. Make sure both SFPs are the same wavelength (1310 nm for most short single-mode runs) and both match single-mode OS2 fiber.
4. Connect and verify link
LC connectors snap into SFPs. The switch port light-ups as soon as both ends are live. Confirm with both switches' admin UIs.
5. Cable management at each end
Fiber bend radius is stricter than copper — don't kink it. Coil excess slack in a loose loop no tighter than a soda can, mounted somewhere it won't get stepped on.
Why fiber wins for long or special runs
- No distance limit in any home scenario. Single-mode fiber runs 10 km+ without a repeater.
- No ground-loop or lightning risk on the cable — fiber carries light, not electrons.
- Future-proof. Same glass will carry 10G, 40G, 100G — just swap SFPs.
- RF-immune. Run it right next to power lines, antennas, CNC machines, anything.
Troubleshooting
No link light on the SFP. Dirty or damaged connector. Clean with a fiber cleaner pen. If no better, either the SFP is miswired (TX/RX reversed) or the connector is toast — contact your vendor for a replacement.
Link flaps intermittently. Bend radius violation somewhere along the run. Walk the cable and look for sharp corners or pinch points.
Cost estimate
Heavily dependent on length and switch brands. Rough ranges for a 500 ft run with UniFi switches:
| Item | Approx cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-terminated armored OS2 fiber, 500 ft | $250–400 |
| 2× SFP+ transceivers (1G or 10G) | $30–80 |
| UniFi Switch (at destination, with SFP port) | $200+ |
| Total backhaul | ~$500–700 |
Higher than ethernet or PtP up front, but the only solution here with a reasonable case for a 30-year lifespan.
Where this fits
- House → Another BuildingDecision framework for connecting any two buildings — indoors, outdoors, same property or across a road.
- House → FarmWhole-farm networking — barns, arenas, pastures, pole barns. Hub-and-spoke point-to-multipoint + outdoor APs.
- House → CabinWhen the cabin's too far for cable but you want more than your phone's hotspot — long-range point-to-point or cellular.
- Building ↔ BuildingLink two offices, warehouses, or shops across a street or parking lot without a WAN circuit.