WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FIBER OPTICS

Fiber Optics are essential for internet. But first what are Fiber Optics? It is a new technology that transmits information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber. These cables have a varying number of glass fibers, from a few up to a couple hundred.

These cables are now able to support up to 10 Gbps signals. Typically, as the bandwidth capacity of a fiber optic cable increases, the more expensive it becomes.

TYPES OF FIBER OPTIC CABLES

Multimode fiber and single-mode fiber are the two primary types of fiber optic cable.

Single-mode fiber

Single-mode fiber is used for longer distances due to the smaller diameter of the glass fiber core. The smaller opening isolates the light into a single beam, offering a more direct route and enabling the signal to travel a longer distance.

Single-mode fiber is usually more expensive as it requires precise calculations to produce the laser light in a smaller opening.

Multimode fiber

Multimode fiber is used for shorter distances because the larger core opening lets light signals bounce and reflect more along the way. The larger diameter permits multiple light pulses to be sent through the cable at one time, which results in more data transmission. This also means more possibility for signal loss, reduction or interference.

PROS AND CONS OF FIBRE OPTIC CABLES

Pros

• They support higher bandwidth capacities.
• Light can travel further without needing as much of a signal boost.
• They are less susceptible to interference, such as electromagnetic interference.
• They can be submerged in water.

Cons

• Fiber optics is often more expensive than copper wire.
• Glass fiber requires more protection within an outer cable than copper.
• Installing new cabling is labor intensive.

USES OF FIBER OPTICS

A range of industries use fiber optic cables for reliable and fast connectivity.

Computer networking and broadcasting

Computer networking is a common fiber optics use case due to optical fiber's ability to transmit data and provide high bandwidth. Similarly, fiber optics is frequently used in broadcasting and electronics to provide better connections and performance.

Internet and cable television

Internet and cable television are two of the more common use cases for fiber optics. Fiber optics can be installed to support long-distance connections between computer networks in different locations.

Undersea environments

Fiber optic cables are used in more at-risk environments, like undersea cables, as they can be submerged in water and don't need to be frequently replaced.

Military and space

Military and space industries also make use of optical fiber as a means of communication and signal transfer in addition to its ability to provide temperature sensing. Fiber optic cables can be beneficial due to their lighter weight and smaller size.

We at Faithlink Provide support installation of Fiber Optics.