Frederick Jace
Fiber optic cables are very thin strands of pure glass containing hundreds of thousands of connectors in an insulated casing. Optical cables transmit network and telecommunication bandwidth. Fiberglass enclosures are strong, durable, and high performing over a long distance.
Fiber optic cables are the driving force behind global internet connectivity, cable television, and telephone systems. Communication has rapidly grown from using copper wires ever since the inception of fiber optic cable nearly four decades ago. Consequently, metallic wires have been replaced with fiber optical cables.
How Fiber Optic Cable Works
A fiber optic cable is a thin strand of glass, slightly thicker than a human hair. Light travels through the innermost part. The light traveling core is called cladding. Cladding reflects light inwardly to avoid the loss of signal.
Fiber optical cable has three basic components. These are the core, the cladding, and the casing.
There are two types of optical fiber cables: single and multi-mode.
- Single-mode fiber – uses a laser to transmit light through bends in the cable. It uses extremely thin strands. It also uses multi-complexing techniques to maximize the quantity of data traffic each strand can carry.
- Multi-mode fiberglass- uses LEDs to light through the glass. Wave Division Multiplexing allows different light wavelengths to blend. Later the wavelengths separate to transmit multiple communication signals through an individual light pulse.
Why Fiber Optic Cable Most Preferred Over Traditional Modes
- Fiber optic cable supports higher capacity than copper wires. A single fiberglass enclosure carries more network broadband than an electric wire of the same thickness.
- Fiber optic cable is a highly resistant material. Therefore, it is less susceptible to electronic interference. Copper wire requires thick insulation to reduce interference from within and without. However, this is usually not successful because many wires strung close together become bulky and ineffective.
- It is the preferred material telecommunication network. Fiber optic cables have a high affinity for light and travel over long distances without losing their initial strength. Therefore, fiber optic cables reduce the need for signal boosters.
- Fiber optic cable does not rely on electricity to function. Therefore, even when there’s a power outage, it is less likely to shut down. This also means that it can enhance communication signals in remote regions where electric power is unreliable.
Uses of Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable is versatile, effective technology widely used in many industrial applications
1. Internet
The internet has changed people’s way of life because one can get all information at the click of a button. Thanks to fiber optic cables, the world has become a global village. Fiber optic cables carry large amounts of data at very high speed. Compared to the traditional copper wire, fiber optic cables are efficient even in areas with geographical challenges. They are less bulky and transmit more data than copper lines.
2. Computer networking
Fiber optic cables make communication between computers in different geographical zones possible.
Networking means that computers in a particular location can network with others to enhance information exchange. Today, cloud computing is gaining popularity, all because of fiber optic cables.
3. Surgical intervention
Fiber optic cable has revolutionized the medical field. Today, the preferred method of doing surgeries is non-intrusive surgical methods.
One such application is called endoscopy, which involves an extremely thin bright light line that provides light to the surgery target area in the body. The method reduces the number of incisions made because the light is specific. Consequently, the size of the incision is minimized.
4. Automotive engineering
Fiber optic cables are efficient in lighting up the intricate parts of vehicles. Fiber optic cable provides superior lighting for a car’s interior and exterior to provide for repairs and service.
The cables can also transmit signals at an electrifying speed to allow for comparative analysis of different parts of the car.
5. Telephone
When fiber optic cables are used in telephone communications, the lines are efficient and conversations faster because of enhanced clarity.
6. Decoration options
Fiber optic cables are widely used in lighting decorations used in interior and exterior options today. Fiber optic cables are economical and provide a wide selection of colors, intensity, and other varieties.
Consequently, fiber optic cables are used in decorative illumination in ceremonies, discotheques, and Christmas trees.
7. Space applications
Data transmission is the primary communication line for all space applications. The growth of fiber optic applications has made space exploration for science and military use a reality.
Fiber optic cables have made communication easy, effective, and cost-effective. It is the technology to transform business for this and future generations.
