The Functionality and Types of Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic is known by many names, such as Optical Fibre. This is a type of technology that is used to send information in the form of light pulses through plastic fiber. In a fiber optics cable, there are several of these fibers. In an expensive cable, there are hundreds of these threads. The core of glass fiber is protected with the help of another layer known as cladding. And then this layer is protected by the buffer tube layer. Finally, there is a jacket layer to protect the individual and. Generally, these cables are used instead of copper cables for a number of reasons. These cables offer a lot of advantages, such as transmission speed and bandwidth. Let’s find out more.

If you are looking for high-speed data networking, you may consider fiber optics. As a matter of fact, this cable is commonly used in a lot of communication sectors for networking services. Some examples of these services include telephones, television, and the internet.

For example, big Giants such as Google and Verizon use these cables to provide their services at high speed.

How does Optical Fiber Work?

Basically, optical fiber cables transmit data through light particles called photons. Since each layer features a different refractive index, it bends the incoming light at different angles. When the signals of light are transmitted through the cable at high speed, they reflect inside the core at a speed 30% lower than that of light.

Sometimes, companies use signal boosters for these cables. The function of these repeaters or boosters is to convert the signal into an electrical pulse for transmitting once again. These days, these cables are used to provide speeds as high as 10 GB per second. Generally, for high speeds, thicker and more expensive cables are used.

Types

As far as primary types are concerned, there are single-mode and multimode cables. Let’s find out more about each type.

Single-Mode Fiber

Since the single-mode fiber optic cable features a smaller diameter, it is used for long-distance data transmission. Due to the small diameter of these cables, it is possible to reduce attenuation that can negatively impact the signal strength.

Besides, these cables have a small opening that creates only one beam. Therefore, it allows for a direct route for long-distance data transmission.

Unlike multimode fiber, single-mode fiber features a relatively higher bandwidth. Generally, a laser is the source of light for single-mode fiber. Since these types of optical fiber feature free size calculations, they can help reduce the light in a relatively smaller opening.

Multimode Fiber

This type of cable is used for short-distance data transmission. The reason is that light bounces in large openings and reflects more during this process. Moreover, as far as a lot of data transmission is concerned, cables with a larger diameter are more suitable.

The downside is that these cables may cause a lot of signal loss. Generally, LED lights are used for generating light pulses.

Long story short, this was a description of Optical Fibre cables. Hopefully, this article will help you get a better understanding of optical Fibre.

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