Fiber Optic Technology and the Advantages of the Internet

The Internet industry is characterized by the transfer of service data through various means, each of which affects the quality of service in some way. Internet can be connected to a premise through cables or through the use of a satellite. There are two types of cables that are generally used to make the connection possible. The first is coaxial cable, possibly the most commonly used and fiber optic cable. However, optic fiber cables are gaining ground as a result of the added benefits of the fiber optic technology. It is used for telephones, cable television, and Internet connection and even in the medical industry for x-ray imaging and other diagnostic purposes.  Its use in the communication industry is extremely popular.

 

How It Works

These cables are created using a structure known as optic fiber. More than one of the strands are grouped together to make a cable. It transfers the information using light signals and this is what causes most of its advantages when compared to its counterpart. Here are some features of fiber optic technology.

 

Flexibility

 

One of the features of this fiber is that it is flexible. It can be easily bent. This feature may lend to one of the disadvantages of using this technology. The fact that it is flexible means that it can be easily manipulated. Bending of the fibers may affect the performance of the cable and this may affect the signal. However, each fiber is protected with a covering that is made of a type of resin.

 

Transparency

 

This feature is as a result of the material used to make the fiber, which may be glass or some type of plastic.  It is this feature, which causes the improved performance of this cable when compared to that of coaxial. It makes it possible for the information to be transmitted at long distances without affecting the signal quality. The glass structure makes the transfer over long distances possible and relatively easy as a result of the fact that the signal being transferred is in the form of light, which glass refracts quite easily.

 

Many fiber optic Internet providers are using this cable as an improved service offering. However, this means of connection proves more costly to the subscriber.  Nevertheless, the cost has been decreasing.

 

Thin

 

The size of the fiber has been compared to the human hair.  However, it may be a bit thicker. In order to form the cables many of these strands are grouped together. However, they are first covered with what is called a cladding. The purpose of this covering is to prevent the dispersing of the light. Therefore, it reflects it back into the center of the cable. This helps the light to travel at great distances without being compromised.  If this layer were not present, the light would not remain on its path.

 

This area is then covered for protection by a type of coating. This prevents it from the elements and any damage. Finally, this layer is then covered by the last layer to form the cable.

 

The optical fiber cable types are single mode and multi mode. The single mode has a smaller center when compared to its counterpart, multi mode with a large center. Each works better with light at a given wavelength.  In order for the cable to work at its optimum level, the fibers present in the cable must be pure.

 

Advantages of Using Fiber Optics for Internet Connection

• The method used to transfer data, that is through the use of light signal, means that this type of cable is not prone to interference as a result of electromagnetism. This usually becomes a problem when electric current comes into play. This increases the places in which this optic fiber cable can be placed. The use of light also adds another benefit in transmission when compared to using a metal conductor.  This makes the connection extremely reliable when compared to its counterparts. Reliable connection is a definite advantage to Internet subscribers as no one wants intermittent service whether they are doing business online or simple being entertained.


• For its use in connecting Internet to a home or business, it allows for the transfer of more information even at great distances. Therefore, it offers higher bandwidth than when coaxial cables are used. Higher bandwidth is a definite benefit as it means that the customer will not experience slow speed when using the Internet. Speed is generally a concern for individuals thinking about an Internet subscription.  As with every new technology, the cost is generally higher when it is first introduced. However, this technology has been on the market for some years now. Therefore, the cost has been on the decline.


• The construction and nature of fiber optic cables make secure transfer of data possible. This is possible because the signals are kept into the core by the cladding mentioned above. Therefore, the signal is kept safe within the cable. The customer who insists on having Internet security will definitely find this a welcomed advantage.

 

Necessary in the transmission of any information is that it first be encoded in a language that can be understood by the intended receiver of the information.  Then necessary to take into account is the means of transmission. The medium must be effective in getting the information to the recipient. After it is received, the information will have to be decoded. Decoding the information involves, in a sense, translating it into a language that can be understood by a television set and by a computer. To make this process seamless the right connection is needed as well as the best service provider.

Fiber Optic Technology and the Advantages of the Internet