How dose Fiber Optics Work?

To the layman, fiber optics technology may seem like an amazingly complex concept and, of course, there is a huge amount of science and technical jargon that goes into the explanation of a technology that allows a series of tiny, hair-like fiber optics cables to beam information using lasers around the world.

But, at its core (no pun intended), fiber optics and understanding fiber optics receiver transmitter systems is not that difficult, even for those of us who have never even heard the words “fiber optics cable” before.

The Basics of Fiber Optics Receiver Transmitter Systems

Born in the 1800s but not fully realized until the 20th century, fiber optics transmits information using pulses of light and/or lasers. These pulses are sent through razor-thin strands of wiring, fiber optics cables, usually made of glass. A receiver then decodes the information, beaming it into homes and offices around the world literally at the speed of light with a quality that is unmatched with today’s technology. Because they use light, many employ the use of fiber optics lighting to illuminate areas or create dramatic lighting effects for signs and displays.

The heart of the fiber optics cable is the core, which is the glass strand in which the light travels. The core is surrounded by the cladding, which reflects the light back into the core, keeping it and guiding it along its path. A plastic coating surrounds the core and cladding for protection. One fiber optics cable can send more information than the largest of traditional electronic wiring and several hundred fiber optics cables can be grouped into a bundle.

At one end of the cable is a transmitter, which breaks down and then sends the information using light impulses. Once it arrives at its destination, a receiver decodes the information and converts it back into data, where it is then sent along to the appropriate media, be it a television, radio, computer or other.

What Do Fiber Optics Do For Me?

Besides transmitting huge amounts of data almost instantaneously, fiber optics cables are less expensive, take up less space, require little power and are less susceptible to lightening strikes and fire-causing sparking. All these benefits add up to savings for providers of Internet, television, telephone and other applications, and these savings are passed along to consumers. Fiber optics cables also are used in medical imaging and surgical technologies, as well as engineering and mechanical inspections and maintenance. More and more power generation facilities are relying on fiber optics as well.

With little to no signal degradation, crystal clear communications, high-speed Internet connections and digital cable have become realities.

While you may not see the miles of fiber optics cable lying under your feet, you reap the benefits of this truly revolutionary technology on a daily basis.