More reasons to use fiber optics

Among many advantages offered by fiber optics, is the ability to transport large amounts of data in a relatively small size, fiber optic cables are the option in Internet, computing and telephony networks. This optical fiber has many uses. In the medical area, for diagnostic purposes, using light to create an image, such as endoscopes to look inside the body, in the dental field to illuminate the mouth during dental surgery. Also the automotive industry uses fiber optics for its exterior lights as well as to illuminate the interior of a car. Other industries use fiber optics to perform inspections in hard-to-reach areas by adding a fiber optic cable to a tiny camera. Finally, the military uses high-powered fiber optic networks for mission control systems, high-speed data exchange, and flight planning.

Is fiber optic internet better than cable?

Knowing what a fiber optic Internet network is helps to understand its advantages over copper cable Internet. Optical fibers provide higher bandwidth as they transmit data via light, which means they can carry signals faster and with much less distortion than copper cables of the same diameter.

An optical fiber can carry 90,000 television channels and three million voice calls. Data can fly through fiber optic networks, which can also transmit light great distances. These advantages of fiber optics mean that a modern, high-speed Internet network could not exist without it.

That is why cities and governments are gradually replacing copper cable networks with fiber optic networks.

How does a fiber optic network work?

A fiber optic network is made up of cables containing bundles of glass or plastic wires called optical fibers, which carry data transformed into light. Light is transmitted along the fiber optic network by a laser, after being converted by a computer into digital data signals. Light travels along the cable without "leakage" by bouncing off glass or plastic walls, which are like a mirror. The structure of the cable also helps to avoid stray light. The light beam travels through the core located in the center of the wire. This is wrapped with another layer of glass called a "lining".

What types of fiber optic networks exist?

There are several types of fiber optic networks:

• Fiber to the Home (FTTH): The fiber optic connection begins at the central office of the telecommunications operator and reaches the user's home. This technology offers the best performance.
• Fiber to the Closet (FTTC): The fiber optic connection covers the stretch from the central office to the street closet, while the final connection from the closet to the home uses copper cables.
• Fiber to the Tower (FTTT): The fiber optic connection links the primary telecommunications network to the cellular network towers.

What are the advantages of a fiber optic network?

The advantages of fiber optic cable are numerous: power, range, speed, durability, reliability and security. These advantages enable the transition to fully digitized cities, businesses and homes, creating a more sustainable and circular way of life. Here are the advantages of fiber optics in detail:

1. Resilience. Fiber optic cables are resistant to temperature changes and adverse weather conditions. They are lighter, thinner and stronger than copper cables, and are less likely to break or be damaged.
2. They are also more secure, because it is very difficult to intercept their transmissions. They are not affected by electromagnetic interference, which can disturb signals.
3. Fiber optic cables can carry signals up to 40 kilometers without signal deterioration, while the maximum distance that copper cables can reach is slightly less than a kilometer.
4. Fiber optic networks have low latency. In other words, they are fast. This rapid data transfer makes it possible to implement self-driving AI systems for cars or drones, telemedicine, national security or manage security in construction sites and work areas, to name a few examples.
5. Streaming and gaming get better. The increased data capacity of fiber optic networks means they don't get overloaded as easily as copper cable networks, so it's faster to download and stream your favorite movies. And the stability of the fiber means that the game will not be interrupted at the most inopportune moment.
6. Smart homes. Fiber optic networks are robust enough to service your home office, stream your favorite movies, and connect to Internet of Things (IoT) devices like thermostats, alarms, and appliances.
7. Fiber optic cables: much more than the Internet