The invention of fiber optics has had quite a broad impact on industries and businesses worldwide. While most people are aware that fiber optics are used in telecommunications, there are a number of other applications that impact various industries. Whether you are a small home-based business or a large multi-national corporation, it is almost certain that in some way fiber optic cables help to make your business more efficient. Let’s take a more detailed look at what fiber optic cables are and what their various business applications entail.
How Do Fiber Optic Cables Work?
Fiber optics work on the principle of light pulses being transmitted through a specific type of cable. A fiber optic cable is made up of several components. The inner core carries the light pulses that are transmitted. The core is surrounded by cladding which reflects the light pulses back into the core. These two components are surrounded by a buffer coating which is basically the protective layer of the cable. It ensures that no moisture gets into the core or cladding, and protects them from environmental damage. When a light pulse is passed through the cable, it reflects and bounces off the cladding and transmits data at an incredible speed, and with greater clarity and less interference than old technology copper cables do.
Why Are Fiber Optics So Efficient?
As mentioned, fiber optics are used extensively in the communications industry. Fiber optics technology allows the transmission of data over a far greater distance than wire cables. Fiber optic cables are also able to transmit much larger bandwidths of data at a time. This makes for far more efficient communications. One of the major benefits of fiber optic cable over wire cables is that there is less signal loss over distances. Fiber optic cables do not generate any electricity. Because of this, they don’t cause electromagnetic interference. With standard wire cabling, it needs to be properly insulated, otherwise interference and cross talk can occur between cables. Electric cables also cannot be used in environments where explosive fumes are present as they could be an ignition source. Fiber optic cables are not ignition sources because they do not conduct electricity and are therefore considered safer to use in such hazardous environments.
Fiber optic cables are also ideal for use in high-voltage environments because they do not conduct electricity. In this way, they protect surrounding communications equipment. The same applies to tall metal structures, such as power lines and telephone poles, which are prone to lightening strikes. Towers that are fitted with fiber optic cabling will have less risk of equipment damaged.
Different Applications for Fiber Optics
The most extensive application of fiber optics is in the telecommunications industry. Fiber optics are often used for video transmissions as they can transport images across thousands of miles with incredible clarity. In security systems, fiber optic sensors are used to detect movement. Generally, a fiber optic sensor will be placed along a fence line and linked to a module which reflects the signal. If the signal is disturbed, it is electronically analyzed and can trigger an alarm. Fiber optics are also used in a wide range of illumination applications. Many art galleries, museums and shops use fiber optics to enhance their displays. Stores that have Swarovski crystals are known to use fiber optics to illuminate the crystal displays using only a single light source. Artificial Christmas trees use fiber optics to light up and reflect different colors. In architectural applications, fiber optical cables can be used to transmit natural light throughout a building. These types of cables are known as non-imaging optics.
In the medical field, fiber optics are used in advanced surgery. Often, there are cases where a bright light needs to be shone on an area that does not have a direct line of sight. Because fiber optic cables are flexible, they can be efficiently used for such applications. This fiber optical equipment is known as an endoscope. This technology is particularly useful when sensitive surgery needs to be performed or when exploratory surgery is required. One of the benefits is that procedures which use endoscopes are not very invasive. This allows patients to heal more quickly following their surgeries. Similar technology is used in industrial applications where objects that are hard to reach need to be inspected, such as with jet engines. Fiber optics are also becoming more popular as sighting mechanisms on handguns. These sights provide a greater level of accuracy when shooting.
No matter your size, we’ve got you covered. For over a decade, our High-Performance Network has internet business solutions from coast-to-coast. Because we own and operate a continent-wide fiber optic network, wherever you are, we’re there too!