Fiber Optic Cable – What Is It And How Can You Make Use Of It?

Fiber optics is one of the most exciting technologies in the world right now. Even though it’s been around for almost a century, it’s only recently that it’s gone mainstream. It’s primarily been used in the telecommunications industry to facilitate long-distance communication. Fiber optics is now being used for a lot more than that. It can be used in a wide range of different industries to make them more productive, efficient and cost-effective.

Here’s everything you should know about fiber optics.

What is fiber optics?

Fiber optics is a technology that uses optical fibers to transmit data or power from one place to another. The optical fibers are typically made of glass or plastic and can be transparent, white or translucent. The information is transmitted through the fibers by sending light pulses through them at very high speeds. The light travels through the optical fibers at around 13.5 million miles per second. Any information sent through them is given a digital code and received by the other end with the same code. Fiber optics can be used to transmit information at very high speeds because light travels through them at a much higher speed than through other types of transmission media. This results in very little degradation of light during transmission.

How does fiber optics work?

Fiber optics works by shining a light source like a laser through a piece of optical fiber. The fiber is made of multiple smaller fibers that are bundled together. The laser light is sent down the optical fiber to another piece of optical fiber. This optical fiber is then connected to another person or device that is the receiver. The optical fiber that is carrying the laser light is connected to a receiver. This receiver is usually a multiplexer that can split the laser light to multiple receivers. The laser light is split into multiple beams that are then sent to the receivers.

Once the light is received by the receivers, the signals are converted back into light. The optical fiber is transparent to the light and it is then converted back into the original laser light. The optical fiber is then capable of transmitting information at a very fast rate.

How is fiber optics used?

Fiber optics is used for transmitting data in ways that are too difficult with other types of transmission media. Optical fibers are not only used for transmitting data but also for receiving it. Optical fiber is used for transmitting and receiving data in a wide variety of sectors like telecom, data centers, cable networks, computer networks and government. Optical fiber is also being used in a wide range of industries like the automotive, aerospace, energy, oil and gas, medical, construction, engineering and marine industries. Optical fiber is also being used in IoT ecosystems.

Optical fiber is used in data centers to transmit computer data. It is being used to transmit large amounts of data that can’t be transmitted through other means like power lines, copper wire or wireless communication. Optical fiber is also being used in cable networks. It is being used to transmit the data and electrical power in the same network. In the telecom sector, optical fiber is used to transmit voice and data.

Types of Fiber Optic Cables

There are two main types of fiber optic cables – single mode and multi-mode. Single mode fiber optic cables are used for long distances and are capable of transmitting 1 billion bits of information per second at a wavelength of 850 nm. Multi-mode fiber optic cables are used for shorter distances and are capable of transmitting 1,500 to 2,000 bits of information per second at a wavelength of 1300 nm. Other fiber optic cable types include single-fiber, single-mode, multimode and multi-fiber.

Advantages of Fiber Optics

– Very Long Distance: Optical fiber is capable of transmitting data at distances of up to 2,000 miles. And, you can also expect it to continue transmitting data even at that distance. This is because it is not susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

– No EMI: Optical fiber is virtually free of electromagnetic interference. That means that you can use it in places with high levels of electromagnetic interference.

– Excellent Security: Optical fiber has excellent security features. That means that you don’t have to worry about security breaches when you use it.

– High Speed: Optical fiber is capable of transmitting data at a very high speed.

– No Frequency Issues: Optical fiber has no frequency issues. That means that you can use it in any frequency.

Disadvantages of Fiber Optics

– Expensive: Optic fiber is expensive. That makes it a costly technology. If you use it in a large scale, it can become a real problem for companies that have to invest a lot of money to use it.

– No Protection Against Damage: Optical fiber is not protected against damage. That means that it can be broken or damaged during transmission.

– Limited Availability: Optical fiber is not readily available in many places like rural areas or islands. That makes it difficult for companies to use it.

– Variable Wavelength: Optical fiber has varying wavelengths. That means that it doesn’t transmit data consistently.

Conclusion

Fiber optics is an extremely useful piece of technology. It’s capable of transmitting data at a great distance, with no electromagnetic interference and at a very high speed. This makes it a very useful technology for many businesses. Fiber optics is also useful because it is not affected by the frequency or wavelength issues that can occur with other forms of transmission. And, it’s also capable of transmitting data consistently.

The older coaxial cable wiring in most communities and homes today has much more interference than fiber-optic transmissions. The result is faster, clearer imaging to support high-definition signals like 4K and 5K video.

Fiber optic networks are expanding in both cities and rural areas, but the high upfront cost of replacing these networks means that it is moving slowly. Currently, about 25% of consumers have access to fiber-optic internet.

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How Fiber Optic Networks Transmit Internet

Fiber optic cables are paired with a device called a transceiver. As the name suggests, this device is dual-purpose. It functions as a transmitter to send data signals and a receiver to receive them. The transceiver is the device that converts the signals from data to light and from light to data.

Light waves travel through fiber optic cables at much faster speeds than the electrical signals sent through copper coaxial cables. Fiber optic networks have always been part of the infrastructure of the internet that we know and use. Older systems used centralized fiber optics with coaxial transmissions from the major hubs into the neighborhoods and individual homes. Upgrading individual homes’ connections to fiber optics is the next step in revolutionizing the internet user experience. The speed and reliability make concepts like smart buildings possible.

Types of Fiber Optic Internet

You have probably heard the term ‘fiber optic’ internet used along with words describing how fast it is. And, that is an accurate description. But most people don’t realize that there are three different types of fiber optic internet.

Fiber Optic to Home (FTTH)

An FTTH connection provides the best performance. It uses only fiber optic cables installed directly to the residence to transmit data.

Fiber Optic to Curb (FTTC)

An FTTC connection uses fiber optic cables to bring the data to a utility pole located near the home or business. Then, existing coaxial cables transmit the data from the utility pole (curb) to the receiver inside the home.

Related Link: Coaxial Cable Splitters

Fiber Optic to Neighborhood (FTTN)

An FTTN connection uses fiber optic cables to transmit data to a service point in a neighborhood. Once available, homes and businesses within a one-mile range can connect via a DSL connection.

All three fiber optic options provide faster, more reliable internet than older technology. But adding a coaxial cable or DSL variant will slow the speeds to some degree. If an FTTH connection is available, it is the best choice. However, the FCC estimates that the cost to install these networks is between $3K – $8K per home.

CC Technology Group offers custom-designed solutions to manage your technology resources. Book a consultation today to discuss your needs.

Is Fiber Optic Internet Worth It?

Fiber optic internet is receiving a lot of hype right now as the bigger, better, and faster internet service option. While there are real benefits, there are also some big expenses associated with installation, so you should do your due diligence in weighing the pros and cons before taking the leap.

Advantages of Fiber Optic Internet

Highly Scalable
Faster than Cable and DSL
No Electrical Interference

Current fiber optic networks can handle speeds up to one-hundred times faster than existing internet speeds, so there is plenty of room for improvement before we will be looking for the next new technology. With 4.66 billion users worldwide, bandwidth capabilities are important.

While actual speeds vary based on many factors, including service provider, package, and equipment, fiber optic is faster. Cable internet providers currently boast max speeds of around 50 megabits per second. That is fast enough for streaming 4K video, online gaming, and operating multiple devices simultaneously. But by comparison, fiber optic internet starts at 1G per second.

Most homes and businesses rely on older internet technology like coaxial cable internet, digital subscriber loop (DSL), or wireless provided by existing cellular networks. These modes work fine, but they are all affected to some degree by electromagnetic interference from other devices, which slows them down. Some are even affected by weather conditions.

Fiber optic internet uses light instead of electricity to transmit data, so it is not susceptible to this type of interference. That means you don’t have to worry about losing your internet signal when the sky clouds up.

Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Internet

Materials are Expensive
Installation is Labor-Intensive
Less Sturdy (i.e., frequent repair)

Fiber optic seems like the answer to all problems when it comes to internet speed and reliability. But it has been slow to expand because some notable disadvantages weigh it down. These are all associated with the high cost to install and maintain fiber optic networks.

Fiber optic cables are made from glass instead of copper. They are more expensive than copper, require extra insulation, and are more fragile. Fiber optics provide enough bandwidth that we will be able to utilize this technology for a long time. Still, it may break down easier and faster than existing coaxial cable networks because it is more fragile.

The Takeaway on Fiber Optic Internet

Fiber optic internet is a faster, more reliable technology with the bandwidth to handle our growing technology needs. While its use as a home internet provider is growing slowly due to the high cost of installation and lack of existing networks, this technology has been in place for quite a while.

Military and medical applications rely on fiber optics for clarity and reliability when performing surgeries and maintaining communications. And, the existing internet networks that we currently use are built on a fiber optic framework. It is the connections to that framework that use other methods and slow speeds down.

Technology resources are more important than ever in today’s business world. CC Technology Group specializes in providing custom solutions for data centers, smart buildings, and cabling solutions. Contact us today to start the conversation.

Last Updated on August 2, 2022 by Josh Mahan

Fiber Optics