An Introduction to Fiber Optic Technology

Posted by admin at 7 November, 2008, 10:38 am

The use of fiber optic cables has grown tremendously in recent years. This is due to their superiority when compared to alternative choices regarding uses in telecommunication systems, cable television transmission, and data systems. But what exactly are fiber optic cables and how do they work?

The field of fiber optics refers to the applied science, application, and engineering of optical strands as a data communication solution. An optical fiber is a glass or, less commonly, plastic strand which carries light along its length in order to transmit data. Optical strings use something called “total internal reflection”, which contains the light signal within the core of the thread, acting as a sort of guide to direct the signal towards its desired destination, with little to no signal loss.

This technology allows data transmission over longer distances and at higher speeds than other, traditional forms of communication, such as copper wires, while reducing the amount of information loss associated with data transmission.

How are fiber optic cables made?

While there are various types of fiber optic cables in use, the way they are made can generally be explained like this: optical wires are comprised of two main sections, or layers. At the center of the strand is the core. The light signal travels through this core, which is protected and shielded by a second layer called the cladding.

This cladding surrounds the core and serves two main purposes. Firstly, it protects the core and the signal from any external interference. Secondly, the cladding provides an internal reflective boundary, designed to keep the signal contained within the core of the fiber. This design is commonly referred to as “total internal reflection” and directs the signal in the desired direction, while preventing nearly any of the data from being lost.

Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables

This data option provides many advantages when compared to more traditional data transmission alternatives, such as metal wires. One of the greatest advantages is the fact that there is much less loss of signal, due to the design of the technologies. Similarly, optical threads are immune to electromagnetic interference, which cause issues with metal wire transmissions.

Furthermore, they can carry higher amounts of data than other communication technologies, resulting in more broadband, less materials used, and lower cost of materials. These technologies also have a lower weight, meaning lower transport and handling costs.

These cables also provide more security, as well as higher performance. There is no radiation associated with the use of this technology, which means it is more difficult to eavesdrop. Optical strands do not produce sparks, resulting in safer technology, and have the lowest amount of crosstalk between threads, due to the protective nature of the cladding.

Fiber optics will continue to see more and more use as the technology continues to get even more efficient and cost effective, and will continue to be the best choice for all data networks, telecommunication systems, and television transmissions, far into the future.

Kathleen Whitlow is a marketing agent of CablesPlusUSA. The wholesale supplier of data communication connectivity solutions provides network solutions and fiber optic cables throughout the nation. For more information on their Fiber Optic Cables please visit their website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Whitlow