Fiber-Optic Cable

What is it?

• Structure: A thin glass cable (slightly thicker than a human hair) surrounded by a plastic coating, packaged into an insulated cable.

• Function:

  • A photo diode or laser generates pulses of light that travel down the fiber optic cable.
  • These pulses are received by a photo receptor.

Why is it used?

• Advantages:

  • Highest data rate: Capable of carrying the highest data rates over the longest distances.
  • Security: Not affected by electromagnetic noise and cannot be easily wiretapped.
  • Cost: While the initial cost is higher than twisted pair cables, it’s lower than coaxial, and its superior performance outweighs the cost.

• Disadvantages:

  • Requires two fibers for a round-trip connection.
  • Still vulnerable to noise, despite being immune to electromagnetic interference.