How do fiber optic cables work?
How do fiber optic cables work?
Optical fiber is a very thin glass or plastic wire that has the ability to transmit light through its length. It consists of a very thin core, usually a few microns in diameter, surrounded by a protective sheath which protects it from mechanical damage and electromagnetic interference. The fiber is usually covered with a protective sheath of polymer material to protect the fiber from scratches and damage.
When a light signal is transmitted to the end of the optical fiber, it is reflected inside the fiber following a zigzag path called a mode. Modes can propagate in the fiber in different ways, depending on the structure of the fiber and how it was designed. In single-mode fibers, the light signal follows only one mode of propagation, while in multi-mode fibers it can follow several modes simultaneously.
The light signal is sent to the other end of the optical fiber, where it is converted into an electrical signal for use by receiving equipment. Fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting data at very high speeds, with rates of up to several terabytes per second, over distances of up to several kilometers, depending on the type of fiber used and the transmission and reception equipment.
