18-08-2012, 02:56 PM
Fiber Optics Basics
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Introduction
Fiber optic technology is simply the use of light to transmit data. The
general use of fiber optics did not begin until the 1970s. Robert Maurer of
Corning Glass Works developed a fiber with a loss of 20 dB/km,
promoting the commercial use of fiber. Since that time the use of fiber
optics has increased dramatically. Advances in fiber technology, lower
production costs, and installation have all contributed to the wide use of
fiber.
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of fiber, its
construction, and functionality.
Fiber Optics Overview
The heaviest use of fiber is in the telecommunications industry. Telephone
companies initially used fiber to transport high volumes of voice traffic
between central office locations. During the 1980s telephone companies
began to deploy fiber throughout their networks. Fiber technology allows
companies to "future proof" networks. We use the phrase "future proof"
because fiber is theoretically unlimited in bandwidth. Bandwidth is a
measurement of the data carrying capacity of the media (in this case,
fiber). The greater the bandwidth, the more data or information that can
be transmitted. Copper has a bandwidth and a distance limitation,
making it less desirable.
Benefits of fiber include: