Fiber Optics:

A cable which is used to transmit the data through fibers (threads) or plastic (glass) is known as optical fiber cable. This cable includes a pack of glass threads which transmits modulated messages over light waves.

Parts of Optical Fiber:-

                                          This cylinder is known as the Core of the fiber. A solid di-electric material surrounds the core, which is called as Cladding.




The communication system of fiber optics is well understood by studying the parts and sections of it. The major elements of an optical fiber communication system are shown in the following figure.
The basic components are light signal transmitter, the optical fiber, and the photo detecting receiver. The additional elements such as fiber and cable splicers and connectors, regenerators, beam splitters, and optical amplifiers are employed to improve the performance of the communication system.

Advantages:

The transmission bandwidth of the fiber optic cables is higher than the metal cables.
The amount of data transmission is higher in fiber optic cables.
The power loss is very low and hence helpful in long-distance transmissions.
Fiber optic cables provide high security and cannot be tapped.
Fiber optic cables are the most secure way for data transmission.
Fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference.
These are not affected by electrical noise.


Disadvantages:
Though fiber optic cables last longer, the installation cost is high.
The number of repeaters are to be increased with distance.

Applications of Fiber Optics:

Used in telephone systems
Used in sub-marine cable networks
Used in data link for computer networks, CATV Systems
Used in CCTV surveillance cameras
Used for connecting fire, police, and other emergency services.
Used in hospitals, schools, and traffic management systems.