Fiber optic cables are network cables that contain one or more optical fibers inside an insulated casing. These optical fibers are used to transmit information as light pulses along a glass or plastic fiber. The cables are designed for long-distance communication and are capable of transmitting more data over longer distances and faster than other mediums. The optical fibers are about the diameter of a strand of human hair and when bundled into a fiber-optic cable, they can transmit more data over longer distances and faster than other mediums.
There are two main types of fiber optic cables: single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF) . SMF is used for longer distances due to the smaller diameter of the glass fiber core, which lessens the possibility for attenuation, a reduction in signal strength. The smaller opening isolates the light into a single beam, offering a more direct route and enabling the signal to travel a longer distance. MMF has a much wider core, allowing multiple modes (or “rays”) of light to propagate.
Fiber optic cables are used mainly for their advantages over traditional copper wire networks. Glass does not conduct electricity, so fiber optics are not subject to electromagnetic interference, and signal losses are minimized. They are also used in medical equipment.
