Fiber Optic Cable
Optical fiber is a flexible, transparent fiber that uses a light detector to covert light into electricity. There are two types of core diameters, MultiMode and SingleMode, that have different "modes". A mode in optical fiber refers to the path that the light takes to travel through the cable.
MultiMode[]
Multimode cables' diameter are greater than those of singlemode. Having a larger diameter gives it the ability to have multiple pathways and several wavelengths of light to be transmitted. Multimode fiber are commonly used in patch cable applications such as fiber to the desktop or patch panel to equipment. Multimode is available in two sizes, 50 micron and 62.5
Multimode and Singlemode Diameters
micron.
SingleMode[]
Singlemode cables are smaller in core diameter, which as a result only allows a single wavelength and pathway for the light to travel through the cable. These type of cables are usually used in network connections over long lengths. Singlemode cables have a diameter of 9 microns.
Pros and Cons[]
Pros:
- High bandwidth (Gbps - Tbps)
- Error performance
- No EMI/RFI, and almost error free.
- Can go long distances
- Highly secure
Cons:
- Fragile
- High cost
Backbone[]
Fiber optics are used in the many backbones, including the International submarine cable, LAN's, COs, and CATV.
Implementation[]
Main article: Fiber to the x
Sources[]
The information provided were taken from class slides in TC 201, Michigan State University.