A fiber-optic cable uses long thin strings of flexible glass to transmit data in the form of light. A fiber-optic cable holds this string in the middle of it, allowing the light to pass through the glass. The sender device converts data into light. The receiver device converts light into data.
Components of a fiber-optic cable
Core, cladding, buffer, strengthener, and outer jacket are the components of a fiber-optic cable. The outer jacket, strengthener, and buffer protect the interior of the cable and make the cable easier to install and manage. Cladding and core create the necessary environment to transmit light over the cable.
How does a fiber cable work
The sender device converts data into light and uses a light source, called the optical transmitter, to shine the light into the core. The light passes through the core. The cladding protects the light from bouncing off the core. It reflects the light back into the core. The receiver device reads the light signals and converts them back into the data.
Types of fiber optic cable
There are two types of fiber optic cable: single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber.
SMF
A single-mode fiber cable uses a smaller-diameter core around one-fifth diameter of a multimode fiber cable. It uses a laser-based transmitter to send light into the core. It sends light at a single angle. Since it sends light at a single angle, it is called a single-mode fiber.
MMF
A multimode fiber cable uses a larger core than a single-mode fiber cable. It uses a LED-based transmitter to shine light into the core. It sends light at multiple angles. Since it sends light at multiple angles, it is called a multimode fiber.
Differences between SMF and MMF
| SMF | MMF |
| It uses a laser source to shine light into the core. | It uses a LED source to shine light into the core. |
| It provides a single path or angle for the light. | It provides multiple paths or angles for the light. |
| It uses a smaller core. | It uses a bigger core. |
| It is mainly used for a longer distance. | It is mainly used for shorter distances. |
| It carries a single beam of light. | It carries multiple beams of light. |
| It costs more than the MMF. | It is cheaper than SMF. |
| SMF typically uses a core size of 8.3 to 10 microns in diameter. | MMF typically uses a core size of 50 to 100 microns in diameter. |
| If you prefer speed and performance over budget, this is the best option. | If you prefer budget over speed and performance, this is the best option. |
Characteristics and functions of a fiber optic cable
- A fiber optic cable uses a thin strain of glass.
- It transmits data in the form of light.
- It is mainly used in the IT and telecom sectors.
- It is suitable for data and voice transmission.
- It is used to build a LAN and WAN network.
- It provides higher data transfer speed and costs lesser money than other available media.