Optical Fiber 

What is an Optical Fiber?

optical fiber

An optical fiber is a very thin piece of plastic or glass that is used to transmit information as pulses of light over the long distances.

Optical fibers are arranged in bundles to form optical fiber cables, which are laid down across the ocean surface for transmission of data across globe.

At the transmitting source, the light signals are encoded with data and the optical fiber transmits data by light to a receiving end, where the light signal is decoded as data. Therefore, fiber optics is actually a transmission medium to carry signals over long distances at very high speeds.


Structure of Optical Fiber:

Optical Fibers consist of these layers.

Structure of optical fiber


Core: It is the inner part of the optical fiber carrying light.

Cladding: This is the outer transparent optical material which surrounds the core reflecting the light back.

Coating: It is the buffer coating over the cladding that protects the cladding from moisture and physical damage.

Jacket: It is the outer covering of the cable that protects bundles of optical fibers.


Types of Optical Fiber:

There are two types of optical fibers, each of which has a different application.

1. Single mode optical fiber:

Single mode optical fiber is simple form of structure. It contains a very thin core, and it is used for long distance data transmission. Single mode fiber optic cables are generally used for CATV, Internet, and telephone applications, where the signals are carried by single mode fibers wrapped into a bundle.

2. Multi mode optical fiber:

Multi mode optical fiber is about 10 times larger than a single mode cable and it is used for short distance data transmission. Multi mode mode optical fiber cable used as patch cords to interconnect data equipment and computer networks.  


Coaxial Cable

What do you mean by coaxial Cable ?


Coaxial cable is an electrical cable that transmits radio frequency (RF) signals from one point to another.

 A coaxial cable is a type of shielded and insulated copper cable that is used in computer networks and to deliver cable TV services to end users.
Coaxial cables tend to carry signals at a greater distance and are a good choice for weak signals, due to their layered protection.



Structure of coaxial Cable :

structure of coaxial cable


 Center Conductor:  It is constructed of either pure copper or copper-coated steel or aluminum, the center conductor is responsible for transmitting the cable's signal.

Dielectric Insulator:  A dielectric plastic insulator, which surrounds the copper is acts as an insulator between the center conductor and the outer braided / foil shielding. 

Braided Shield: Long copper cables have a tendency to act like antennas, picking up stray signals from the environment. A braided copper/aluminum sheath beneath the insulator. This is used to protect from external electromagnetic interference.

Foil Shield: The foil shield serves to protect from RFI interference. Foil shields are almost always made out of aluminum foil, and simply wrap around the inner parts of the cable.

Outer Jacket: The outer jacket is generally made out of flexible PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and serves primarily to hold the cable together and protect it from the elements.It is used to protect the inner layers from physical damage, such as fire and water.

Comparison between Optical Fiber Cable & Coaxial Cable:



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