We always turn to fiber optics to meet our high bandwidth network needs. In general, many do not know much about the existence of plastic optical fibers . Both glass fibers and plastic fibers have different advantages and disadvantages. Today we are going to provide our users with some important information in this regard.

Optical fiber - a brief overview

A few decades ago, nobody could have imagined conveying valuable information through glass - an element that is abundant. Later someone came up with this brilliant idea and suggested light as a powerful data carrier. As a result, we have seen a dramatic development in this area and fiber optics has become the most desirable medium for digital communication.

In reality, glass optic fibers are nothing more than bundles of tiny strands of glass - and that's all. Whatever we found in our fiber optic cables, such as Cladding and sheathing etc. are only used for reinforcement. Glass has the inherent ability to refract light, and this is how it works. With fiber, we achieve full internal refraction to keep the light trapped and move along the cable made of glass. In the case of fiber optic cables, the core of the fiber strands is surrounded by jacket media. The only purpose of the cladding is to reject any refraction. This traps the light that travels through the core of the cable. It is important to understand that a glass with a poor refractive index is used in building the cladding.

Specially developed network hardware is used in fiber optic communication systems. Various communication standards and protocols are available for networking via fiber optic cables. Different cable qualities and types are available for different types of short, medium and long distance applications. Are you wondering which light source is used for signaling purposes in fiber optic networks? Well it's not a big deal - don't we have such a bright sun at our disposal? Wait here. There is a problem with the sun because it cannot supply light to every continent at the same time. So it can't be the sun. In fiber optic network systems, we use specially developed LEDs or light barriers to provide the light for transmission over the fiber optic cable.

These light sources are connected and controlled by communication controllers that switch the light source on and off in a pattern to convert the supplied digital data into light signals. With a "0" the light source is switched off and with a "1" the source is switched to "On". Sounds easy, doesn't it? Thats how it works. Now let's go over some of the biggest advantages of using fiber optics as a digital communication medium.

Fiber Optic Benefits

Optical fibers are a tremendous choice for a wide variety of applications and network needs. Glass is one of the most common naturally occurring elements. So we don't have to worry about its availability. Fiber optic networking has become a global phenomenon and you can easily acquire the parts and components you need to meet your specific needs and applications. In addition, fiber optic cables are available in various types with different data carrying capacities. Another big advantage of fiber is the tendency to withstand harsh operating environments. Unlike plastic, you can easily install fiber optic cables near a stove or devices that emit heat waves. The inherited light transmission of glass makes it an ideal choice for long distance applications. In addition, fiber can work with both; Infrared light and visible light. As already mentioned for high temperature applications, glass fiber is also suitable for areas with extremely low temperatures.