What is The History of Fiber-optic cable & How Does It Work

 

History of Fiber-optic cable

The first fiber-optic cable was demonstrated in the 1970s, and commercial fiber optic networks started appearing in the 1980s. Fiber optic cables have rapidly replaced copper cables as the preferred method of transmitting data over long distances, due to its much higher bandwidth and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Today, fiber-optic cables form the backbone of the internet and telecommunications networks, enabling the high-speed transfer of large amounts of data.

 

Who invented fiber optic cable?

The invention of fiber-optic cable is credited to two engineers, Robert Maurer, Donald Keck, and to a scientist, Gwénaëlle Jean-Baptiste. They worked at the Corning Glass Works company in the United States and invented low-loss optical fiber in 1970. This paved the way for the widespread use of fiber-optic cable in telecommunication networks. The trio was awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2011 for their invention.

 

Types of Fiber-optic cable

There are two main types of fiber-optic cables:

1. Single-mode fiber (SMF): It has a small core diameter and is used for long-distance, high-bandwidth communication systems.

2. Multi-mode fiber (MMF): It has a larger core diameter and is typically used for shorter distance applications such as within buildings or data centers.

Other types include:

3. Tight-buffered fiber: A type of cable with a layer of buffer material around the optical fiber to provide protection and improve handling.

4. Ribbon fiber: A type of multi-mode fiber where multiple fibers are combined in a flat ribbon-like structure.

5. Loose-tube fiber: A type of cable where individual fibers are placed in a loose tube, surrounded by a water-resistant material.

6. Indoor/outdoor fiber: Indoor fiber is designed for use in buildings, while outdoor fiber is designed for use in external environments.

 

How Does Fiber-optic cable Work

Fiber-optic cable works by transmitting light signals over glass or plastic fibers. The light signals carry information in the form of data, and the glass or plastic fibers act as a waveguide to keep the light signals confined within the cable.

Here's how it works:

1. Data is converted into light signals at the source (e.g. a computer or network device).

2. The light signals are sent down the fiber-optic cable to the destination.

3. At the destination, the light signals are converted back into data that can be understood by the destination device.

The fiber-optic cable is made of glass or plastic fibers that are so thin that they are almost transparent. The core of the fiber-optic cable is the light-carrying component, and it is surrounded by a cladding material with a lower index of refraction, which helps to keep the light signals confined within the core. The light signals travel down the fiber-optic cable by bouncing off the cladding and are prevented from leaking out of the core by the difference in the refractive indices of the core and cladding.