Fiber optical communication: Advantages, Applications

Fiber optical communication

Coherent light can be generated with laser or light emitting diodes and may be detected by photo-diodes. Optical fibers are used for transmission of light.

An optical fiber is a thin transparent rod, usually made of glass or plastic, through which light can propagate. The light signals travel through the rod from the transmitter to the receiver and can be easily detected at the receiving end of the optical fiber. The principle of total internal reflection is used for the transmission of light signals through the optical fiber.

Advantages

1.     Transmission loss is low.

2.     Fiber is lighter and less bulky than equivalent copper cable.

3.     More information can be carried by each fiber than by equivalent copper cables.

4.     There is no interference in the transmission of light from electrical disturbances or electrical noise.

Applications

The various applications of fiber in communication area are, voice telephones, video phones, message services, data network etc.

Extra Notes :

Wire and Cable

The medium is the actual path for the electromagnetic energy of the link or channel of the communication system. Through the medium, the energy representing the data of the sender can reach the receiver. This path can take many forms : an electrical conductor such as wire, vacuum or optical fiber.

Copper is an inexpensive metal that is easily made into wire, Fortunately, it is also an excellent conductor of electricity. When separate wires are collected into bundles and are given special protective jacketing, the term 'cable' is often used.