What is Fiber Optics? A Guide - Fluke Networks

Streaming a movie, making a call, or getting an endoscopy may seem like disparate experiences, but they share a common thread: They’re connected by an invisible network of optical fibers. In this guide, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of this powerful technology. You’ll learn what fiber optics are used for, how fiber optic cables work, and the benefits they offer.

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What Is Fiber Optics?

Fiber optics is a technology that sends data as pulses of light through strands of glass. This method allows high-speed data transmission over long distances with minimal loss, making it essential for modern data networks, telecommunications, and the internet.

What Is Fiber Optics Used For?

The demand for higher data transmission capacity and speeds continues to grow as network applications expand and organizations collect more data (images, voice, video, etc.) than ever before. This requires cabling that delivers higher bandwidth support. Fiber optic infrastructure is increasingly the go-to medium for datacom networks.

What Is Fiber Optics Made Of?

A fiber optic cable is made of thin strands or threads of glass no thicker than the width of a human hair.

Fiber optic strands consist of a core, a layer of cladding, and an outer coating often called the buffer.

• • The core of a fiber optic cable is made from extremely thin strands of ultra-pure glass. Light signals generated from a source (such as LED or a laser) are launched from a transmitter into the core.


• • A glass layer called the “cladding” surrounds the core of a fiber optic cable and acts as the coating. It reflects light back into the core, helping to maintain signal power.


• • The outer jacket or “buffer” of a fiber optic cable is usually made of a plastic material. It protects the fiber from moisture and damage, preserving the strength of the glass fiber in the core.

Thanks to this combination of specialized layers, light can travel largely unimpeded throughout the cable network. A receiver then receives the signal at the end of a link.

What Is the Purpose of Fiber Optics?

The primary purpose of fiber optic technology is to enable the transmission of large amounts of data at high speeds and with greater reliability. This capability is crucial for supporting the vast, interconnected networks that form the backbone of our digital society, allowing for efficient communication and access anywhere, any time.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables offer numerous advantages over copper cables, including greater bandwidth and higher speed, as well as immunity to electromagnetic interference.

• • Lightning speed: How fast is fast? Fiber optic cables can transmit data at rates up to 800 Gbps (today's data center maximum, but theoretically rates could be even faster). Broadband internet services leverage those cables to deliver some of the fastest internet speeds to millions of customers.


• • Greater bandwidth: Fiber optics can transmit a wide range of light frequencies, transferring more data at higher throughput. For example, a single fiber connection can transfer a movie in HD format in less than a tenth of a second; the typical copper-wire office network would take about a minute to do the same task.


• • Less data loss: Loss or attenuation is a performance measure in cabling and network standards. Optical fiber is less susceptible to data loss from electromagnetic interference from power cabling, radio signals, and even solar flares.


• • No corrosion: Because fiber optic cables are made of non-metallic materials, fiber connections can't corrode. They are, however, vulnerable to contamination by dust and moisture, which is why fiber connections should be inspected regularly and kept clean for best performance.


• • Transmission over longer distances: Copper cable is limited to 100 meters in length without a signal repeater, but fiber optic cables can carry signals for 100 kilometers without losing signal strength.

Fiber optic cabling has some challenges. Although fiber is cost competitive with copper, the electronics needed by a fiber network are more expensive. Fiber optic cable also requires specialized tools, safety rules, and skills in installation, maintenance, and repair; these can be managed with proper equipment, training, and support.

Who Uses Fiber Optics?

From bringing high-speed internet to your fingertips to powering connectivity in smart cities, fiber optics might be one of the most versatile forms of technology currently in existence. Here are a few ways in which it’s used:

• • Telecommunications and internet
  Fiber optics plays a crucial role in broadband internet connections, connecting different networks and data centers, and serving as the backbone of the internet. Cloud computing providers also rely heavily on optical fiber infrastructure.


• • Medical industry
  Fiber optics is ideal for use in high-resolution medical imaging. Endoscopy, laser surgery, optical coherence tomography, and photodynamic therapy all make use of fiber optic technology.


• • Transportation
  Intelligent transportation systems use fiber optics to power real-time data monitoring, which can be used to help control the flow of traffic, manage toll systems and parking, and monitor the health of railway tracks, among many other applications. And it's not just about the serious stuff — fiber optic cables are used in aircraft entertainment systems because they're lighter (and transmit faster) than copper cabling.


• • Military
  Optical fiber provides a secure communication infrastructure that is resistant to electromagnetic interference, eavesdropping, and jamming by adversaries.


• • Industrial automation
  Fiber optic cables are often used to transmit data and control signals in environments where high-powered motors, heaters, and similar equipment generate a great deal of interference. Factories and refineries can have very large physical plants, and fiber optics can allow longer network connections for monitoring machinery and controlling processes. Fiber doesn't conduct electricity, which can be a safety issue on long cable runs where the grounding potential can vary from one end of the cable to the other. This property is critical in applications requiring "explosion proofing," such as in grain silos and mines where an electric spark into the environment could be catastrophic.


• • Smart Companies, Campuses, and Cities
  Fiber optic technology enables high-speed connectivity, which is crucial for smart city applications and in large offices and campuses as a backbone technology for aggregating large volumes of data over longer distances — from transmitting between floors or buildings to monitoring services, key infrastructure, and safety in high-risk areas.

Types of Fiber Optics

There are two types of fiber: multimode and single-mode. They are distinguishable by their core and cladding diameters.

• • Single-mode fiber: This fiber has a small core that is typically 9 µm wide, and a cladding diameter of 125 µm. Single-mode fiber allows for only one type of light mode to be propagated through the fiber. The transmission is therefore laser-focused and efficient, resulting in minimal signal loss and allowing for high-bandwidth applications over long distances.


• • Multimode fiber: Multimode fiber comes in two core sizes, with diameters of 50 µm and 62.5 µm, and a cladding diameter of 125 µm. With its larger core, multimode fiber can transmit more modes of light simultaneously. Multimode fiber optic cables are ideal for shorter distances in enterprise and data center networks. These cables can be easier to install thanks to their larger cores, which may alignment more straightforward.

Future Trends in Fiber Optics

The future of fiber optics is exciting, with ongoing research and development aimed at further improving the technology.

Data transmission rates have been doubling about every five years, as shown in the graph below from the Ethernet Alliance. The big trend is higher data rates through the same fiber optic cables, which will be instrumental in powering 4K and 8K video, virtual reality applications, and other data-intensive technologies.

Graph used with permission from the Ethernet Alliance.

Another trend is the use of fiber optics to help meet the demands of 5G networks. This will provide faster and more reliable wireless connectivity, especially in areas with high data demand. Fiber optics will be the backbone for 5G, 5.5G, 6G, and beyond.

Additionally, the miniaturization of fiber optic components and the development of flexible fibers will unlock new applications in Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

The importance of fiber optics for fast data transmission is clear, but there's still so much more this technology can do. Continuing to develop the potential of fiber optics not only promises faster communications but also opens doors to entirely new possibilities — from environmental monitoring to improving safety in our interconnected world.

Imagine a technology that can send data across the world at lightning-fast speeds to connect businesses, hospitals, schools, and more with incredible precision. That's exactly what fiber optic cables do. These cables have transformed how we communicate, share information, and stay connected.

But why exactly are businesses across multiple industries leveraging fiber cables? Read on to explore specific fiber optic cable uses to better understand what makes them so important.

What Is A Fiber Optic Cable?

Before we dive into specific uses, let's explain what makes fiber optic cables special. These cables transmit data through light signals using thin strands of glass or plastic. Unlike copper cables, fiber cables offer faster speeds, higher bandwidth, and smoother data transmission.

Fiber cables come in two main types:

• Single-Mode Fiber: Designed for long-distance data transmission with minimal signal loss.
• Multi-Mode Fiber: Used for shorter distances and higher data rates within local networks.

Thanks to these impressive performance capabilities, several different types of businesses have found applications for fiber optic cables.

How Do Fiber Optic Cables Work?

Fiber optic cables work by guiding light signals through their core using a principle called total internal reflection. Inside each cable, a beam of light—typically from a laser or LED—bounces along the inner walls of the glass or plastic fiber. The cladding around the core keeps the light contained and moving efficiently, even around bends. These light pulses carry encoded data, which is decoded back into usable information once it reaches its destination. The result is a fast, accurate, and energy-efficient transmission of information over long distances.

What Are Fiber Optic Cables Used For by Industry

Fiber optic cables are revolutionizing industries worldwide by providing high-speed, high-capacity, and secure data transmission. From healthcare to telecommunications, fiber optics offer solutions that enable businesses to meet growing data demands. In this section, we'll explore the wide range of fiber optic cable uses, applications of fiber optics, and specialized uses in various sectors. Here are some examples:

Telecommunications

Fiber optic networks form the backbone of global communication systems, enabling long-distance communication across cities, countries, and continents through undersea cables. Fiber cables also support the increasing demands of mobile networks like 5G with high-speed data transmission capabilities.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Reliable Fiber Optic Solutions Provider.

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Healthcare

Medical professionals have embraced fiber optic technology to improve patient care. These cables support:

• Medical Imaging: Fiber optics are used in endoscopy, enabling minimally invasive procedures with clear, detailed imaging.
• Laser Surgeries: High-precision laser systems use fiber optics for accurate and controlled treatments.
• Data Connectivity: Hospitals and clinics depend on fiber networks for efficient communication and data sharing between departments.

With fiber, healthcare teams can share critical information faster and more accurately than ever before.

Defense and Aerospace

Fiber optic cables can withstand the harsh conditions often found in defense and aerospace industries. They’re often used to provide secure, high-speed data transmission and advanced surveillance capabilities for military operations. Aircraft and spacecraft also rely on fiber optics for accurate navigation and control systems.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

ISPs depend on fiber optic cables to deliver fast internet to businesses and homes. Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) deployments provide reliable connectivity, with the FCC reporting that fiber ISPs provide more consistent speeds than ISPs using DSL.1 

Broadcasting and Media

Modern media companies prefer fiber optic cables for their ability to handle massive amounts of video and audio data. They enable:

• Live Broadcasts: Fiber optics support real-time video transmission for live events, sports, and news coverage.
• Video Streaming: Streaming platforms rely on fiber optic networks to deliver uninterrupted content to viewers worldwide.

Fiber optics have transformed not only the infrastructure of broadcasting and media networks but also storytelling and content distribution.

Financial Services

The financial industry depends on fiber optic networks for fast and secure data transmission. Fiber cables offer the low latency connectivity that financial transactions and stock trading systems need for split-second communication. Additionally, financial businesses leverage fiber-connected data centers to manage and store large quantities of sensitive information. 

Industrial Automation

Industrial environments require robust communication networks to support automation and data-driven processes. Fiber optic cables offer immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and durability, making them ideal for:

• Factory Automation: Fiber optics enable real-time communication between machines and control systems.
• Process Monitoring: Fiber optic sensors monitor temperature, pressure, and other critical parameters in industrial settings.

As industries become more data-driven, fiber optic networks continue to be the backbone of smart, efficient, and responsive industrial ecosystems.

Education

Learning institutions are leveraging fiber optic networks to enhance educational experiences with:

• Remote Learning: Seamless video streaming and interactive online classroom experiences.
• Research Collaboration: High-speed connections supporting global academic research and data sharing.
• Campus Security: Enhanced network monitoring and secure communication systems for educational institutions.

With fiber optics, institutions can more easily break down geographical barriers in education.

Smart Cities

Fiber optic infrastructure is helping cities become smarter and more efficient. Fiber cables support:

• Traffic Management: Fiber optics enable real-time monitoring and control of traffic signals and congestion.
• Public Safety: Advanced surveillance and emergency response coordination through high-speed network infrastructure.
• Infrastructure Monitoring: Real-time sensors for the structural health of bridges, buildings, and urban infrastructure.

Ultimately, urban planners can use fiber networks to create safer and more connected communities.

Energy and Utilities

The energy sector relies on fiber optic cables to support critical infrastructure with:

• Grid Resilience: Advanced monitoring systems detect and prevent potential power grid failures.
• Renewable Energy: Real-time performance tracking helps improve solar, wind, and other renewable energy installations.
• Oil and Gas: Fiber optic sensors monitor pipelines for leaks and structural integrity.
• Environmental Monitoring: Precise sensors track climate and environmental changes across vast networks.

Fiber optics help keep our essential services running smoothly and safely. 

Why Are Fiber Optic Cables Better for Businesses Than Copper?

Fiber cables offer several advantages over traditional copper cables that make them the preferred choice for modern applications, including:

Higher Bandwidth

Fiber can carry more data than copper cables, making it ideal for high-demand networks.

Resilience

Since fiber cables aren't affected by electromagnetic interference, they deliver a more stable connection.

Faster Speeds

Fiber transmits data at the speed of light, ensuring faster transmission rates.

Longer Distances

Signals degrade by about 90% every 100 meters when sent over copper cables but only 3% every 100 meters over fiber.2

Durability

Fiber cables are more resistant to environmental factors like moisture and temperature changes.

Investing in fiber optic technology means investing in your organization’s future communication infrastructure.

Partner With Fatbeam for All Your Fiber Optic Needs

The perfect cable type for your business will depend on your specific needs, considering factors like distance, bandwidth requirements, and environmental conditions. However, with so many fiber optic cable uses and applications, choosing the right solution can feel overwhelming. 

At Fatbeam, we're not just another internet provider – we're your technology partner. We’ll solve your business internet challenges with fiber optic solutions designed for businesses that can't afford to slow down. Ready to see how fiber optic technology can transform your business? Contact us today to learn more about our services.

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