Skip to main content

Understanding Signal Transmission in Fiber Optic Cables

The primary function of fiber optic cables is to send signals across long distances. The transmission of these signals takes place in the form of light. This answers for the speed of broadcast and its zero interference with other electronic devices around.

How Does It Actually Work?

Each of the cables constitutes thin strands of glass, which we often hear of as ‘fiber optics.’ These pieces of glass form the core of these cables and facilitate the major task of sending data, assisted by Fiber Optic Patch Cords. But doesn’t light travel in waves, spreading straight from its point of diffraction?
Yes, absolutely. Then how do light bend around corners while running through the length of the fiber optic cable? Let’s try to unravel the science that goes behind it.

How Light Bends Through Fiber Optic Cables?

The Mirror Effect

When you show a flashlight beam across a hallway, you will see the length of the light extending till the next bend but won’t be able to see anything further. But placing a mirror on the corner does the trick. You can now see the light bending further. This is because the mirror reflects the light. That’s exactly how the fiber optic cables basically work.

Internal Reflection

The reflection on which these cables operate is often termed as ‘total internal reflection’. That’s because when you send the light signal, the light remains within the cable and reflects internally. This also ensures the data isn’t lost during the transmission.
But the signals sent through fiber optic cables eventually degrade. That’s because of the decay of the signal either due to the wavelength or the affected purity of the optic glass.

Why So?

The wavelengths that fiber optic cables utilize to send over information are much longer than the light visible to use. We call these invisible ranges of long light ‘infrared’. These infrared waves are when passed through the fiber optic cables weakens the transmission of data either by absorption and scattering.
So, basically, the length of the waves reduces the accentuation of the fiber optic cable. And if we use longer waves with lower frequencies, it would result in heat interference. The temperature of surrounding objects will thus be affected resulting in signal loss.

How To Ensure Maximum Utilization?

Though fiber optic cables do eventually degrade, getting good quality cables and accessories can increase its life significantly. For optimum functioning, consider buying quality cables. The wavelength of a typical good quality fiber optic cable varies from 850 to 1550 nanometers.
The accessories are equally important. The fiber optic patch cords that connect the devices through which the information transmits should also be of best quality. Often the patch cords decay and are assumed as cable decay, resulting in increased cost investment. Therefore, it’s always a great idea to get your electronics supply only from branded and reliable manufacturers. It’s not only important for the longevity of the supplies but is also imperative from the point of view of safety.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is the Difference between C13 and C15 Power Cords?

There is an array of power cords available in the market. It can get quite perplexing to choose the one that will fit your needs. In order to know more about them, you must have more information about these cords. This article will acquaint you with   IEC C13   and   IEC C15   power cords   and how they are different from each other. But before that, let us understand what IEC is. IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission. Every cord is standardized by IEC before it is introduced in the market. These cords use the letter “C” which is followed by the number in their cords. Let’s get back to understanding the difference between IEC-C13 and C15 connectors. Some of them are mentioned below. Difference of a Notch One of the most apparent differences between the two connectors is the notch on C15 connector. Although C15 looks quite similar to C13, it has a little groove opposite the earth. The IEC-C15 connectors also work in the C14 outlets. B...

Know Everything about Printer Cables

When it comes to connecting printers, the type of cable you use matters. Different printers require different cables to function properly.  USB cables are the most common for home printers. They are easy to use and connect directly to your computer. Parallel cables are sometimes still used in office environments, especially with older models.  Ethernet cables facilitate network printers and enable several devices to be connected. In this blog, let us review the basic types of printer cables and how to select the correct one. Knowing these options will assist you in properly configuring your printer. What is a Printer Cable? A printer cable is a cable that is attached to the printer and to a computer for connecting the printer to the computer.  It enables data to move from the computer to the printer. These cables include the Universal Serial Bus, USB, and parallel cables. Cable connections using USB are widely used for present-day printers.  They are convenient...

Fiber Optic Cables Vs Ethernet Cables: What Is the Difference?

Wi-Fi is like love. Always in the air and ready to connect you with the fascinating digital world. But ever wondered what keeps it in the air? Well, just like any relationship has a foundation of understanding, a wireless network has a fiber cabling underneath that helps people to connect with the internet anytime they want to. The other most popularly used cable type is Ethernet cables. They are used everywhere right from IP camera technologies to LED lighting. These cables are quite cheaper as compared to fiber cables; but when one wants to have a huge and powerful network cable , fiber cables become necessary. Both the cables have their advantages and disadvantages, specialties, and limitations. Through this blog, we will differentiate between the two and try to understand both in details: History of Fiber & Ethernet Cables The fiber optic technology was first used in 1969 when NASA sent it to the moon for use in television cameras. And a company named Xerox developed Eth...