Even though the advent of fiber optic technology has made high speed data transfer much more easier, not many people out there can actually boast of knowing what is fiber optics and how it works. The clarity of images and sounds that the fiber optic technology promises gives it a definite edge over the conventional technology which uses copper wires to transfer data. Add to it the fact that there is seldom any distortion in the quality of these images and sounds, and the deal gets even better.
What is Fiber Optic Technology?
In simple terms, fiber optics technology is the technology wherein glass or plastic threads (fibers) are used for the transmission of data. The width of these fibers is as much as the diameter of a human hair. Thousands of such fiber optics are bundled together to form fiber optic cables which are used in various fields today. These fiber optics are bundled in such a manner that there is absolutely no scope for the light to escape, and therefore the end result is transmission of crystal clear images of superior quality.
Components of Fiber Optics
Each of these fiber optics have three parts - the core, cladding and the buffer coating. The center of the glass strand, wherein the light travels, is known as the 'core'. The 'cladding', on the other hand, is the material around the core which reflects the light back into the core region. In order to avoid any damage to these components, they are protected by a plastic coating referred to as the 'buffer coating'.
Different Types of Fiber Optics
Basically, there are two main fiber optic cable types - single mode fiber optic cable and multiple mode fiber optic cable. The single mode fiber optics have a smaller core as compared to their multiple mode counterparts. Similarly, single mode fiber optics transmit infrared laser light with a wavelength of 1,300 to 1,550 nanometers, while the multiple mode fiber optics transmit infrared light with a wavelength of 850 to 1,300 nanometers. There exists yet another type of fiber optics - the plastic optical fiber. That, however, is not as popular as the preceding two types.
How do Fiber Optics Work?
A transmitter and a receiver is located at either ends of the fiber optics network. The transmitter facilitates data transfer by converting the electronic signals into data impulses. The receiver, located on the other end, receives these data impulses and converts it back to electronic signals. These decoded signals are eventually sent to the various electronic devices, including television and computer. Considering that the light cannot bend itself on its own, fiber optic technology uses a technique known as total internal reflection, wherein the light impulses bounce on the inner walls of the fiber and facilitate smooth data transfer.
What is Fiber Optics Used For?
Today, the fiber optic technology is used in various fields right from communication to engineering. The most important uses of fiber optics can be traced to the various means of networking and telecommunication. In present times, wherein the word technology is no alien term, not many people would need an introduction to what is fiber optics Internet or how this technology is used in cable TV. Improved quality of digital transmission which can be attributed to the use of fiber optics has been most beneficial for the Internet revolution. The use of fiber optics in cable television can be traced back to 1976. Other than these uses, fiber optics is also used for imaging in the field of medicine. Similarly, the use of this technology for interior decoration by in form of fiber optic lamps is also gaining popularity.
That covered all the information you needed to know about what is fiber optics, with special emphasis on its components, uses and how it works. The numerous advantages that this technology has over its conventional counterparts gives it an edge when it comes to performance. One of the biggest advantage of fiber optics is that it provides a greater bandwidth, owing to which more data can be transferred at a given point of time. Other than that, these cables are thinner and lighter which makes it convenient to use them. The only disadvantage of the fiber optic technology is hefty initial investment for fiber optic cable installation. If this problem can be resolved, high speed data transfer using fiber optics will become even more faster, inexpensive and reliable.
What is Fiber Optic Technology?
In simple terms, fiber optics technology is the technology wherein glass or plastic threads (fibers) are used for the transmission of data. The width of these fibers is as much as the diameter of a human hair. Thousands of such fiber optics are bundled together to form fiber optic cables which are used in various fields today. These fiber optics are bundled in such a manner that there is absolutely no scope for the light to escape, and therefore the end result is transmission of crystal clear images of superior quality.
Components of Fiber Optics
Each of these fiber optics have three parts - the core, cladding and the buffer coating. The center of the glass strand, wherein the light travels, is known as the 'core'. The 'cladding', on the other hand, is the material around the core which reflects the light back into the core region. In order to avoid any damage to these components, they are protected by a plastic coating referred to as the 'buffer coating'.
Different Types of Fiber Optics
Basically, there are two main fiber optic cable types - single mode fiber optic cable and multiple mode fiber optic cable. The single mode fiber optics have a smaller core as compared to their multiple mode counterparts. Similarly, single mode fiber optics transmit infrared laser light with a wavelength of 1,300 to 1,550 nanometers, while the multiple mode fiber optics transmit infrared light with a wavelength of 850 to 1,300 nanometers. There exists yet another type of fiber optics - the plastic optical fiber. That, however, is not as popular as the preceding two types.
How do Fiber Optics Work?
A transmitter and a receiver is located at either ends of the fiber optics network. The transmitter facilitates data transfer by converting the electronic signals into data impulses. The receiver, located on the other end, receives these data impulses and converts it back to electronic signals. These decoded signals are eventually sent to the various electronic devices, including television and computer. Considering that the light cannot bend itself on its own, fiber optic technology uses a technique known as total internal reflection, wherein the light impulses bounce on the inner walls of the fiber and facilitate smooth data transfer.
What is Fiber Optics Used For?
Today, the fiber optic technology is used in various fields right from communication to engineering. The most important uses of fiber optics can be traced to the various means of networking and telecommunication. In present times, wherein the word technology is no alien term, not many people would need an introduction to what is fiber optics Internet or how this technology is used in cable TV. Improved quality of digital transmission which can be attributed to the use of fiber optics has been most beneficial for the Internet revolution. The use of fiber optics in cable television can be traced back to 1976. Other than these uses, fiber optics is also used for imaging in the field of medicine. Similarly, the use of this technology for interior decoration by in form of fiber optic lamps is also gaining popularity.
That covered all the information you needed to know about what is fiber optics, with special emphasis on its components, uses and how it works. The numerous advantages that this technology has over its conventional counterparts gives it an edge when it comes to performance. One of the biggest advantage of fiber optics is that it provides a greater bandwidth, owing to which more data can be transferred at a given point of time. Other than that, these cables are thinner and lighter which makes it convenient to use them. The only disadvantage of the fiber optic technology is hefty initial investment for fiber optic cable installation. If this problem can be resolved, high speed data transfer using fiber optics will become even more faster, inexpensive and reliable.
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