Find Out How Fiber Optic Cables Work | Multilink

Fiber optic cables support daily life, making surfing the web or talking on the phone possible. While these network cables play a vital and expansive role in the world, very few actually understand how they work. 

What Are Optical Fibers? 

Optical fibers are small glass strands responsible for transmitting information in the form of light across long distances. These fibers are barely larger than a single strand of human hair and consist of three layers — a core, a cladding and an outer coating called the buffer. 

When these fibers are arranged in larger bundles, they are referred to as fiber optic cables. A single cable can house anywhere from two to 100 optical fibers. As society advances, more and more endeavors are being supported by fiber optic technology, especially with its benefits over traditional copper wiring. 

Fiber optic cables are known for their accuracy and efficiency and provide unrivaled usability that many professionals value. Today, we have fiber optic cables running everywhere, even at the bottom of the ocean. Some of the longest cables stretch thousands of miles, allowing phone calls and the internet to reach across continents.

How Does Optical Fiber Technology Function? 

Fiber optics send light through their core through the process of pulse-code modulation. This means light is transmitted in bursts and interpreted as specific numbers — a one for a pulse of light and a zero for the absence of light. 

As the light travels through the cables, it bounces in a zig-zag configuration within the silica core. Rather than escaping through the sides, the encompassing cladding traps the light in a process called total internal reflection, redirecting it back toward the core's center. This movement repeats as the light moves further down the core. 

A transmitter, which converts an inputted electrical signal into an optical signal or light, initiates this process. This light then travels in pulsations through the core tube created by an LED or laser. Repeaters and amplifiers are often placed strategically along the cable to regenerate the signal and reduce attenuation loss. At the end of the fiber optic system, a receiver will collect the signal and use a photodiode to convert the light into a usable electrical signal. 

Types of Fibers

Fiber optic cables are usually filled with one of two fiber types, which affects how they work and the information they can distribute. These fibers include: 

• Single-mode fiber: A single-mode fiber features a thin core allowing one path of light through, often referred to as a mode. With only enough room for one beam of light to travel, the total amount of reflections decreases, ultimately reducing attenuation. Since there is less deterioration over the length of the cable, light can travel farther with greater bandwidth.  
• Multi-mode fibers: Multi-mode fibers contain a core much larger when compared to single-mode strands. This size enables multiple modes of light to pass through at one time, increasing the information volume. Multi-mode fibers' high attenuation makes these options ideal for short distances. 

Create a High-Performance Network With Multilink

Multilink has over 40 years of experience supplying customers with high-quality fiber optic cables designed to optimize data transfer speeds and increase bandwidth. Our expert staff can design and provide a custom solution that fits seamlessly within your network. 

If you have any questions about our optical fiber cable options or need help finding the right one, feel free to contact us online to connect with a specialist.