10 Incredible Uses of Fiber Optic Cables
As one of the leading distributors of fiber optic cables, we know how important they are in today’s society. These cables are optical fibers enclosed in a protective insulated jacket. These fibers are actually extremely thin strands of pure glass that can transmit data in the form of light. Fiber optic cables are revolutionary ever since they were invented more than 40 years ago. Today, fiber optic cables almost eliminated standard methods of networking that use copper wires.
How Fiber Optic Cables Work
A fiber optic cable is made from strands of glass. Each strand is just a little bit thicker than a human hair. The middle of each strand is called a core, which allows light to travel. Each core is surrounded by another layer of glass called cladding that bounces light inward to prevent losing signal and allows light to pass through inside the cable’s bends.
There are 2 major types of fiber optic cables: single-mode and multi-mode. The single-mode fiber uses very thin glass strands and a laser to produce light. Multi-mode fiber optic cables use LED.
The single-optic fiber cable networks usually use Wave Division Multiplexing techniques to increment data traffic that each strand can carry. Wave Division Multiplexing allows the combining of light in multiple different wavelengths and then later separated. This effectively transmits multiple communication streams in a single light pulse.
We’re sharing with you some of the popular uses of fiber optic cables below:
10 Incredible Uses of Fiber Optic Cables
Now that we understand how fiber optic cables work, and that its core uses optical fiber to transmit information in the form of light. Their use has proved to be beneficial vs traditional copper wires.
The uses and application of optical fiber can be seen in:
- Internet
- Computer Networking
- Remote Sensing
- Automotive Industry
- Surgery and Dentistry
- Decorations and Lighting
- Telephone
- Cable Television
- Mechanical Inspections
- Military and Space Applications
#1 Internet
Versus the traditional copper wiring, fiber optic cables are lighter, less bulky, flexible, and can carry high amounts of data at very high speeds. That’s why fiber optic cables are more widely used for internet cables nowadays.
#2 Computer Networking
People have observed a significant decrease in the time it takes to transfer their files and information across different networks. Fiber optic cables made networking between computer structures faster and easier.
#3 Remote Sensing
Fiber optic cables are used as sensors to measure temperature, pressure, and strain. Modifying their fiber counts allows them to modulate the phase, intensity, wavelength, and polarization of light in the fiber. Using fiber optic cables in remote sensing is convenient because it doesn’t require any electricity in a remote location. They can also be used in areas where there is high voltage or flammable materials.
#4 Automotive Industry
Fiber optic cables are used in lighting both the exterior and interior of automotive vehicles. They play a significant role in their lighting and safety measures. It is because they can provide superior light at minimum space. Fiber optic cables can use signal transmission between different parts of the vehicle at top speeds. That’sThat’s why they’re valuable in safety applications.
#5 Medicine
Fiber optic cables are generally used in the field of medicine. Optical communication is vital in endoscopy (non-intrusive surgical methods). In such a procedure, a small, bright light is used to light up the surgery area inside the body, allowing it to reduce incisions’ number and size. Fiber optics are also used in biomedical research and microscopy.
#6 Decorations and Lighting
Did you know that fiber optics are also used for lighting decorations and illuminating Christmas trees? The use of fiber optic cables in decorative structures has increased over the years. They are an easy, attractive, and economical solution to lighting projects.
#7 Telephone
Thanks to modern technology, calling within the country or internationally has never been this easy. Fiber-optic communication allows faster connections and clearer conversation without any lags.
#8 Cable Television
Fiber optic cables are used to transmit cable signals since their discovery. They are ideal for signal transmission for HD Televisions because they have more bandwidth and faster speeds. Fiber optic cables are also cheaper than copper wires.
#9 Mechanical Inspections
Because they are made of very thin materials, they are commonly used to inspect hard-to-reach areas, such as on-site inspections, pipes, and other engineering work.
#10 Military and Space Applications
Fiber optic cables are the perfect solution to transmit high-security data for military and aerospace applications.
Conclusion
Fiber optic cables have a multitude of uses that go beyond what we are aware of. There might be even new applications waiting to be discovered!
Contact Tevelec
Looking to upgrade or install reliable wiring solutions for your project? Look no further than Tevelec, Canada’s leading wire and cable distributor.
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Whether you’re working on residential, commercial, or industrial projects, Tevelec provides high-quality, durable wiring solutions that meet all your requirements. Don’t compromise on safety and efficiency.
Choose Tevelec for all your wire and cable needs. Visit our website today to learn more and make your purchase!
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