What is Fiber Optic Cable?

What is Fiber Optic Cable?

Today’s professionals and businesses rely on the internet for survival. Reliable high-speed connections with lots of bandwidth can make the difference between success and failure. 

At All-Tech Communications, we understand how important fiber optic solutions are to business growth and success. 

To that end, we’ve put together this brief guide on fiber optic cable so you can understand its true uses and potential value! 

What is Fiber Optic Cable?

Fiber optic cables are made from one or more strands of glass (known as optical fibers), each about the diameter of a single human hair, that transmit light signals across long distances. The fiber optics are arranged in bundles known as optical cables.

Each optical fiber is comprised of three parts:

1. The core: this is the thin glass center of the optical fiber where the light travels
2. The cladding: this is the outer optical material that reflects the light back inward and prevents loss of signal
3. The buffer coating: this is the plastic coating that protects the fiber from moisture and damage. 

Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of these optical fibers are arranged in optical cables and protected by an outer layer known as the jacket. 

There are two primary types of optical fibers: single-mode and multi-mode.

Single-mode optical fibers use extremely thin cores to transmit infrared laser light, while multi-mode optical fibers use a wider core to transmit infrared light from light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

What Are Fiber Optics Used For?

Fiber optics are used for a variety of everyday applications. Most commonly, it is used to deliver high-speed internet and television to our homes and offices. Telecommunications companies and internet service providers have turned to fiber optics to provide higher internet speeds with increased bandwidth, clearer telephone conversations, and better TV reception.

But its uses extend beyond these examples. Because of its speed, efficiency, and reliability, fiber optics are used by plumbers to inspect pipelines, in mechanical imaging to inspect mechanical welds, and in medical imaging particularly in bronchoscopes, endoscopes, and laparoscopes.

Because optical fibers take up less space and emit superior lighting, they are often used in the interior and exterior lights on automobiles. Similarly, because fiber optics can transmit information at rapid speeds between different parts of the car, they are often used in safety features like traction control and airbags.

Why You Need Fiber Optic Cable

The technology of fiber optics may seem foreign or advanced but all businesses, big and small, in Southeastern Ontario can benefit from an upgrade to a fiber optic solution.

Fiber optic cables provide a number of clear benefits over traditional copper cabling. Here are just a few of the biggest benefits: 

• Greater Bandwidth: To compete in any industry, you need an internet connection that can keep up with growing demand and changing bandwidth. Fiber optic connections can provide improved bandwidth coming in standard ratings of 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and 100 Gbps. This means you can support the increased use of video and voice applications without missing a beat.
• Decreased Costs: Optical cables are cheaper to produce, meaning they are cheaper to use. 
• Reduced Space Requirements: Fiber optic cables are much thinner than traditional cabling, more optical fibers can fit into the same area. This means that more information can be passed through the same cable, creating a cleaner structured wiring setup and reducing the amount of space needed to house your network. 
• Increased Speeds: Fiber optic network connectivity speeds far exceed those of cable or DSL. You will not notice a dip in speed or a reduction in connectivity with multiple open apps and multiple users online at the same time. This is significant as video conferencing becomes the preferred method for business communications. Similarly, businesses operating in a cloud setup will not experience delays in access to essential documents, files, and data. 
• Consistently Strong Signal: Fiber optic signals are less likely to degrade with distance and because they are passing light, and not an electrical current, they do not interfere with other signals being sent through the same cable. This means that these cables can carry a signal longer distances without a compromise in signal quality, leading to clearer voice and video reception. 
• Increased Safety: Because optical fibers do not transmit electricity, they do not present a fire hazard. 

Upgrade Today With All-Tech Communications

Fiber optics can help you stay competitive in your industry and even take your services to the next level.

All-Tech Communications offers fiber optic solutions customized to your specific business needs. We do not come with a one size fits all solution and will work with you to provide the best fit. We are proud to service Southeastern Ontario and provide competitive pricing for exceptional work.

If you are ready to make the switch to fiber optic cable, or want to book an on-site consultation, contact us today to get started!