Fiber Optic Cable

A fiber  optic  cable is made  of glass or plastic and transmits signals in the form of light pulses. An optical fiber  is a thin  flexible medium  conducts pulses of light with each  pulse representing a bit. A single  optical  fiber  can support  tremendous bit rates up to  tens or even hundred  of gigabits per second.

A thin glass  fiber is encased in a plastic jacket which  allows  the fiber to bend  without  breaking. A transmitter at one end  uses  light emitting diode ( LED) or laser to send  pulses of light down  the fiber which  are detected at the other end by a  light  sensitive  transistor. Fibe optic  cabling  consists of a canter  core surrounded by several  layers of protective materials.

It transmits light  rather than electronic signals eliminating teh problem of electrical interference. This make it ideal for certain environments that contain a large amount of  electrical interference. It  has also  made it  the standard for connecting networks  between  buildings due to its immunity to the effects of moisture and lighting

 Fiber optic  cable  has the ability to   transmit signals over much longer distances than coaxial and twisted pair. It also  has the capability to carry information at vastly greater speeds. This capacity  broadens communication possibilities to include services such as  video conferencing and interactive services. The cost of  fiber optic  cabling is similar to copper  cabling. However  it is more difficult  to install and modify.