What is Fiber Optic

Fiber optic is a communication cable that uses the fibers to transmit the data at a very fast speed.  The optical fiber criteria are based on the data transmission capacity, pulling strength, resistance, water protection and the fire code ratings. The fibers are immune to the electromagnetic interference so the data signals travel along the cable with less loss and at very high speed. Optical fibers are long, thin strands of the glass with a diameter of about the human hair. These strands of fiber are arranged together, which is known as optical cable. A fiber optic cable consists of the three parts core, cladding and buffer coating. Due to their large bandwidth, speed, capacity and the flexibility, these cables are being used in the telecommunication systems and the computer networks.

It is very advantageous for the long distance communications and in the coming years all the network and telecommunication will be carried out through the optical fiber cables. There are three types of the fiber optic cables single mode, multimode. Multimode optical fiber cable is best designed for the short LAN and the video surveillance system.  Single mode fiber cable is specifically designed for the longer distances and is suitable for the telecommunications networks and the multi channel broadcast system. The cable is made up of the plastic and glass or the combination of both. Other types of the cables include the following.

Simplex

It consists of the one fiber and tight buffer. It is being sued for the backplane applications and the desktop connections.

Distribution

Distribution cable consists of many tight buffered fibers that are bundled under the same jacket. These cables are small in size and are used in the riser and plenum applications.

Breakout

Breakout cables are made up of several simplex cables.  Breakout cable is very strong and rugged designed.  The fibers are double buffered.  Breakout cable is very expensive as compared to the distribution cable. It can be used for the riser and the plenum applications.

Loose Tube

Loose Tube cable consists of several small cables that are bundled together inside the small plastic tube.  Loose Tube cable is ideal for the outside plant applications.  It is filled with the gel and water absorbent powder to prevent the harms form water.

Ribbon

Ribbon cable consists of the 12 fibers and all fibers are laid in rows on the top of each other.

Armored

Armored cable has metal armoring between the two jackets to prevent the rodent penetration.

Aerial

Aerial cables are used on the outside poles.

Advantages of the Optical Fiber Cable

• Fiber optic cables are less susceptible to the electromagnetic interference.
• Fiber cables have greater bandwidth than the metal cables.
• Data is transmitted digitally.
• It is non inflammable because no electricity passes through it.
• These cables have less weight as compared to the copper wire and cover the less space.
• The loss of the signals is very less as compared to the copper cables.
• It is very flexible and can transmit and receiver light signals at a very fast speed.
• Fibers also pose no threats in the dangerous environments such as near factories, chemical plants.
• It is very difficult to intercept and read the data signals inside the cable.