What is a Fiber Optic Cable?

Fiber optic cables are an important part of society. These cables, used in communications, connect multiple types of technology.

Fiber Optic Cable

According to the Fiber Optic Association, a fiber optic cable works by sending light signals down hair-thin strands of glass fiber. These fibers may also be plastic, depending on the specific cable.

Time Frame

Fiber optic cables became widely used in the 1980s, as many major cities started to convert to the new technology.

Anatomy of a Cable

The fiber optic cable is composed of multiple parts; the core (where the data is transmitted), the cladding (what keeps the light in that center area) and the coating, which protects the cable itself.

Uses

Telephone companies started using fiber optic cables, as this was the major reason that they were created; they helped to increase the reliability of a network, according to the FOA. Computers began using fiber optics soon after they were created for data transportation.

Reasons to Use

Fiber optic cables are a less costly way to transfer information from one source to another. The speed and low cost of these cables had made them popular in 2009.

Resources

• Fiber Optic Association