Fiber optics when used in communication lets data and voice be sent along a thin fiber optic wire in the form of a light wave or pulse. The wire is made from glass or plastic strands. Fiber optics is much more efficient than copper wire in terms of distance travelled and bandwidth. The most common form of fiber optic communication is within networks where fiber optic cables are used.
Fiber optic communication is more than just the fiber optic wire; there are other components that make the system function. A typical network will have a transmitter one end which is used to send the signal and a receiver at the other end that converts the incoming light wave back into an electrical signal. In many installations a common component called a transceiver is used to do both jobs. Depending on the length of the cable there may be amplifiers that boost the signal and repeaters that repeat the signal. These devices take care of any signal distortion, an inherent problem with fiber optics.
Although attenuation is a problem, it is a problem that can be simply overcome. The disadvantage of attenuation does not override the advantages. Fiber optic wire can reach much longer lengths and has higher bandwidth than copper based networks. When copper wire is used it is normal that a signal booster is installed every mile or two. In the case of fiber optics the signal can comfortably travel up to 60 miles without needed a boost. Fiber optic cables are not subject to interference from other close by fiber optic cables; this is not the case with copper which is affected by electromagnetic signals which can emanate from other copper wire close by.
With its advantages comes a price to pay, fiber optic communication is more expensive. Not only are the cables more difficult to splice than copper and the connectors cost more, there is a price to pay when purchasing the equipment needed to make the splices and connections. These drawbacks make the use of fiber optic wire less of an advantage in smaller scale projects but the advantages are more than enough to overcome these issues on large infrastructure projects within the telecom industry.
Fiber optic wire in pre-cut and pre-terminated lengths is available from. You are invited to visit the online store for all your cable and connector needs.
