Long ago, people rely on copper wires to
transmit messages over the landline phones. Recent developments in technology
linked to communication have resulted to the conception of fiber optic cables.
It has proved itself to be more convenient to use as compared to copper wires
and are being used by many homes and companies worldwide.
Optical fibers are strands of glass that
the telecommunication industry uses to transmit signals in the form of light.
When bundled, the optical fibers become an optical fiber cable which can be
classified into two: single mode cables and multi-mode cables. The single mode
cables use laser lights to transmit signals while the multi-mode cables employ
light emitting diode.
Aside from being used for phone calls,
optical fibers are also widely and conventionally used for internet signals and
television imaging among others. Here is a list of reasons why fiber optics is
preferable over copper wire:
1) Fire Hazard Free.
Compared to copper wires, there is no possibility for the fiber cables
to start a fire since there is no electricity that passes through the cables.
2) Safer
Since the fiber optics uses light instead of electricity, one no
longer has to fear for the possibility of electric shock.
3) Weight
Fiber optics is comparably lighter and takes less space on the ground
than with copper wires which requires large heavy posts.
4) Technological
Enhancement
One of the things that the fiber optics can do but the copper wires
can’t is its ability to carry digital information over the internet or computer
networks.
5) Cheaper Power
Consumption
Gone are the days of spending huge chunks of money over copper wires.
Since signals emitted by fiber optics degrade less, it no longer requires high
voltage electrical transmitters.
6) No Signal
Interference
Remember the days when you could hear someone else’s conversation over
the phone without calling them. Well, with fiber optics, chances of someone
else listening on your conversation is omitted. Light signal from fiber optics
do not interfere with one another the way signals transmitted through copper
wires do.
7) Less Signal
Degradation
The possibility
of losing signal over fiber optics is lower as compared to copper wires.
8) Portability
Since fiber optic cables are lighter and takes less space, they can
easily fit on crowded and even small places. They can be transported easily and
are less bulky.
9) Higher Capacity
Since the optical fibers are thinner, they can transmit a larger
amount of information from one point to another. This allows for more phone
lines over the same channel or cable.
10) Cheaper
Who wouldn’t want to save on money? Several miles of fiber optics are
cheaper as compared to copper wires which require lots of money just to be
installed.
With all the pros of fiber optics we have
shared, it’s not a wonder why most establishments use this over other
alternatives.
