A fiber optic cable is a network cable that contains strands of glass fibers inside an insulated casing. Engineers design them for long-distance, high-performance data networking and telecommunications. Most fibers operate in duplex pairs: one fiber transmits, and the other receives. There are two main types of fiber optic cables: Single Mode Fiber (SMF) and Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF). The difference is basically in the size of the core. MMF has a much wider core, allowing multiple modes (or “rays”) of light to propagate. SMF has a very narrow core which allows only a single mode of light to propagate.
Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables
- Light travels much longer distances over a fiber cable without losing its strength, so the need for signal boosters decreases.
- A fiber optic cable is less susceptible to interference. A copper network cable requires shielding to protect it from electromagnetic interference. While this shielding helps, it cannot prevent interference when many cables are placed close together. The physical properties of fiber optic cables avoid most of these problems.
- They do not dissipate heat
- Fiber optics support a higher capacity. The amount of network bandwidth a fiber cable can carry easily exceeds that of a copper cable with similar thickness. Fiber cables rated at 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and 100 Gbps are standard.
- They have practically unlimited information
Application
Networking
People use optic fibers to connect servers and users in various network settings. They also improve the accuracy and speed of data transmission.
Medicine
Optic cables are generally used in the field of medicine. Optical communication is vital in endoscopy (non-intrusive surgical methods). In such a procedure, a small, bright light illuminates the surgical area inside the body, reducing the number and size of incisions. Researchers and scientists also use fiber optics in biomedical research and microscopy.
Decorations and Lighting
They are also used for lighting decorations and illuminating Christmas trees. The use of fiber cables in decorative structures has increased over the years. They are an easy, attractive, and economical solution to lighting projects.
Telecommunications
Optic Fiber is installed and used for receiving and transmitting purposes. Telephone transmission uses fiber optic cables. These fibers transmit energy in the form of light pulses. Its technology is comparable to that of the coaxial cables, apart from that the optical fibers are able to handle thousands of conversations concurrently.
Automotive Industry
Fiber optic cables light both the exterior and interior of automotive vehicles. They play a significant role in their lighting and safety measures. It is because they can provide superior light at minimum space. Fiber optic cables can use signal transmission between different parts of the vehicle at top speeds. That’s why they’re valuable in safety applications.
Cable Television
Fiber optic cables are used to transmit cable signals since its discovery. They are ideal for signal transmission for HD Televisions because they have more bandwidth and have faster speeds. They are also cheaper than copper wires.
Remote Sensing
They are used as sensors to measure temperature, pressure, and strain. Modifying their fiber counts allows them to modulate the phase, intensity, wavelength, and polarization of light in the fiber. Using fiber optic cables in remote sensing is convenient because it doesn’t require any electricity in a remote location. They can also be used in areas where there is high voltage or flammable materials.
Internet
Versus the traditional copper wiring, fiber optic cables are lighter, less bulky, flexible, and can carry high amounts of data at very high speeds. That’s why fiber optic cables are more widely used for internet cables nowadays.
Conclusion
Fiber Optic cable has multiple uses as seen above. Hubtech is a trusted suppliers of Fibre optic in Kenya. Call us for best fibre solutions.
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