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The fight between fiber optical and copper cables has always been intense. But, in the current scenario, things are a bit sorted as most people have inclined to fiber optic cables. You will find only a small number of people using copper cables. The main reason for this is that they are not very aware of fiber optic cables.
In this post, we will discuss the fiber optic cable’s purpose and its other important details and specifications.
Fiber optic cable is based on fiber optics, which transmits information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber. It contains a varying number of glass fibers, ranging from a few to a couple hundred. There is another glass layer called cladding, surrounding the glass fiber core. The cladding is protected by a buffer tube layer and a jacket layer acts as the final protective layer. The final or protective layer is for the individual strand.
How
does fiber optic cable work?
The data is transmitted in the form of light particles or photons from fiber optics pulses through a fiber optic cable. Every glass fiber and cladding in the cable bends the incoming light at a certain angle as they have a different refractive index.
Light signals sent through the fiber optic cable reflect off the core and cladding in a series of zig-zag bounces. This process is called total internal reflection. As the glass layers are denser, the light signals don’t travel at the speed of light. The traveling speed of the light signals is about 30% slower than the speed of light.
The fiber optic cable supports up to 10Gbps signals. The thing is that the cost of cable increases if its bandwidth increases.
Is there a way to boost the signal journey?
Yes, there is a way to boost the signal throughout its journey using repeaters at distant intervals. Used for fiber optics transmission, the repeaters regenerate the optical signal by converting it to an electrical signal. Then, the repeaters process the electrical signal and retransmit the optical signal.
What are the types of fiber optic cables?
Single-mode fiber features a smaller diameter in its glass core, making it ideal for long-distance transmission. This smaller diameter significantly reduces the possibility of attenuation, which refers to the reduction in signal strength.
Additionally, single-mode fiber has a smaller opening that isolates light into a single beam, providing a more direct route for the signal. Consequently, this design enables the signal to travel longer distances effectively.
However, single-mode fiber tends to be more expensive due to its considerably higher bandwidth capabilities. Furthermore, producing the laser light within such a small opening requires precise calculations, contributing to the higher cost. The laser serves as the light source for single-mode fiber.
Multimode Fiber
In contrast, multimode fiber features a larger core opening, making it suitable for shorter distances. The larger core allows light signals to bounce and reflect more along the way. This design enables multiple light pulses to travel through the cable simultaneously, resulting in increased data transmission.
Unlike single-mode fiber, multimode fiber uses an LED to generate the light pulse. However, users often avoid multimode fiber cables because they are more susceptible to signal loss, reduction, and interference.
Purpose of Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber optic cables offer numerous advantages, including support for higher bandwidth capacities, efficient light travel with minimal signal boosting, and reduced susceptibility to interference. Additionally, they are stronger, thinner, and lighter than copper cables and require less frequent maintenance or replacement. These qualities make fiber optic cables highly versatile across various industries.
Applications of Fiber Optic Cables
- Computer Networking and Broadcasting
Fiber optic cables play a crucial role in computer networking due to their ability to transmit data at high bandwidths. This capability also makes them popular in broadcasting and electronics, where better connections and performance are essential. - Internet and Cable Television
Both internet and cable television rely on long-distance connections. Often, these connections link two computer networks in different locations. Fiber optic cables excel in providing robust data transmission over extended distances, making them the preferred choice. - Undersea Environments
As mentioned earlier, fiber optic cables can be submerged in water, making them suitable for undersea environments and other high-risk situations. Remarkably, these cables do not require frequent replacement, even when exposed to water. - Military and Space Applications
Beyond communication and signal transfer, fiber optic cables can sense temperature, making them ideal for military and space applications. Their lightweight and compact design further enhances their suitability for these industries. - Medical Uses
In the medical field, fiber optic cables find applications in various instruments to provide precise illumination. They enable biomedical sensors and assist in minimally invasive procedures. Additionally, fiber optic cables are valuable in tests such as MRI scans because they are immune to electromagnetic interference.
The purpose of a fiber optic cable is very strong. It simplifies the work in different industries. So, choose it over a copper cable.
Author: TechBlonHub
As a passionate blogger, I'm thrilled to share my expertise, insights, and enthusiasm with you. I believe that technical knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. That's why I take the time to craft detailed, well-researched content that's easy to follow, even for non-tech. I love hearing from you, answering your questions, and learning from your experiences. Your feedback helps me create content that's tailored to your needs and interests
