You probably heard about fiber optics or optical fiber. It is a technology that uses light to transfer signals or data from one place to another. An optical fiber cable is a non-conductive thin thread. It is super strong and made of a multilayer. It has many benefits and applications in the real world. However, if you don’t know about optical fiber cable, this article can help you learn its purposes, features, and benefits.
What are optical fiber cables?
Optical fiber cables are long, thin threads or strands of carefully drawn glass about the diameter of a human hair. The strands are arranged in bundles known as optical fiber cables. Optical fibers were initially developed in the 1950s for endoscopes with the primary purpose of helping doctors to view the inside of a human patient without significant surgery. But later in the 1960s, telephone engineers used this technology to transmit and receive telephone calls at the speed of light. Today optical fibers are used for signal transmission, communication, and vision.
How does an optical fiber cable work?
The optical fiber cables have various layers, and their core has reflective walls, and when light falls on the walls, it bounces off repeatedly. In simple terms, each light particle bounces down the thin hollow thread with continued internal mirror-like reflection. The core of the cable is wrapped by the other layer known as cladding to keep the light signals inside the core.
Different types of optical fiber cable
Generally, there are two types of optical fiber cables:
- Single-mode fiber
Single-mode fiber contains a very thin core and has the simplest structure. In this optic cable, all the signals travel straight down the middle of the thread without bouncing off the edge. This type of cable is used for internet, CATV, and telephone applications.
- Multimode fiber
It is another optical fiber cable 10 times larger than a single-mode cable. In this cable, the light beams travel through the core by following a variety of modes or different paths. People generally use multimode fiber cables for short-distance signal transmission.
Application of optical fiber cables
Some applications of optical fiber cables are the following:
- Internet and cable television
The most common application of optical fiber is for supporting long-distance connections between computer networks in multiple locations. It is used for various network connections such as WANs, LANS, and MANs.
- Space and Military
Space and military industries use optical fiber cables in signal transfer and communication. Optical fiber also provides temperature sensing, and these cables are lightweight.
- Computer networking and broadcasting
The optical fiber cable provides high bandwidth, and you can use it to transmit data. Broadcasting and electronics industries also use this technology for better connection and performance.
- Medical purpose
Doctors use optical fiber technology for medical scanning. It is used in various medical instruments to provide a clear view of the inner body. Some medical applications of optical fiber include endoscopy, x-ray, light therapy, and surgical microscope.
- Undersea environment
Optical fiber cable can withstand various harsh environments like undersea. Many companies use fiber cables for signal transmission by submerging them in water.
ConclusionÂ
Once you finish reading this article, you can better understand optical fiber and its uses. Optical fiber cables have become the backbone for various network formations such as MANs, WANs, and LANs. If you are looking for an excellent optical fiber brand, Supermac can help you. Here, you can find all types of optical fiber cables and other process technologies. This company also supplies rewinding machines such as capstans, screws, caterpillars, and belt wraps.
