Fiber Optics Continued…

The optical fiber runs in between the transmitter and receiver. This section includes the core, which has the strands of fiber that actually carry the light. Surrounding the core is more glass, but with a different refractive index. This cladding confines the light to the core and eliminates the possibility of the light (and, therefore, the information) escaping. Finally, a buffer surrounds the cladding for extra protection.

Once the information reaches the receiver, the information is changed from light to an electrical signal. Then, a demodulator changes the information back to its original format.

Fiber Optic Uses

Fiber optic cables are becoming more and more popular and, according to experts, will most likely end up being the main type of cable used. They were originally used for telephone systems. And, telephone companies are still using fiber optic cable as their main cable as it is particularly useful for carrying information for long distances without the need to be strengthened over the course of its travel.

Currently, fiber optic cables are also used for Internet and cable television systems. Many universities and office building use fiber optic cable for their local area network systems. Power companies use fiber optics to monitor their power grid. Fiber optics is also used for surgical, imaging, and dental purposes.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optics

There are a few reasons why fiber optic cables are preferred to copper wire cables. Most importantly, they carry much more information and they carry it in a digital form, which is the normal computer format. This means you can transfer information at a much greater rate than with normal wire cables. Fiber optic cables are also less prone to interference like electromagnetic noise than cooper wire cables, and are usually less expensive to maintain.

But, even though they are less expensive to maintain, one of the main disadvantages of fiber optics is the cost. Fiber optical cables cost a lot more to install than their copper counterparts. And, while many love how thin and light fiber optic cables are, they are more delicate than copper wire, making them easy to break and difficult to manipulate.

By Christy Patrick