Fiber Optic Communication

Overview

Communication over Fiber

• Transmits data via light signals
• Send light down one side of the fiber, received on the other side
• Suitable for long-distance communication
• No copper cabling needed

Characteristics

• No Radio Frequencies (RF): More secure as there are no RF signals that can be intercepted
• Long Distance: Light signals can travel much further than electrical signals in copper cables
• No RF Interference: Ideal for environments with a lot of RF, such as manufacturing, as RF does not affect fiber optic signals

Structure of Fiber Optic Cable

Components

• Core: The light-carrying part, very small compared to copper cable
• Cladding: Surrounds the core, has low refractive index, absorbs stray light
• Buffer Coating: Protective layer around the cladding
• Ferrule: Ceramic protector around the fiber, core is inside this ferrule

Light Transmission

• Source: Light Emitting Diode (LED) or Laser
• Path: Light bounces through the core to the receiving equipment

Types of Fiber Optic Cables

Multi-Mode Fiber

• Use Case: Short-range communication (up to 2 km)
• Light Source: Relatively inexpensive, often LEDs
• Multiple Reflections: Allows multiple light paths or modes through the core

Single-Mode Fiber

• Use Case: Long-range communication (up to 100 km without signal regeneration)
• Light Source: Typically lasers, for bright and focused light
• Single Path Mode: Narrow core allowing a single mode of transmission