What is Fiber Optic?
People talk about fiber optic cable, not realizing that these aren't the standard wires. Fiber optics are long and thin strands of glass. The glass is pure, and they are no thicker than a human hair. Bundles of fiber optics sit together, and that's known as optical cables. They are used to transmit light over a very long distance. Optical fibers pulse light along the strand for long-distance and high-performance data networking.
Who Invented Fiber Optics?
Fiber optic was once known as "Optical Waveguide Fibers" and was invented by Peter Schultz, Donald Keck, and Robert Maurer. It has the capability of carrying 65,000 times more information than standard copper wires. Their invention changed the way we use fiber optics, and they enabled fiber optics to be commercialized, between the telephone service and the internet. Fiber optics are even used in medical industries for equipment like the endoscope.
Are Fiber Optics Worth it?
The best-known solution for internet communications today is fiber optics. Fiber optic internet is requested more than any other type because of the speed in which the connection can travel. Fiber optic internet also has lower latency than other known technologies. With the right conduits deploying fiber optic internet, it can last up to fifty years. The best bit is that it doesn't cost too much to replace, which is a big concern for many deciding whether it's a good investment for their business.
What is Fiber Optic Internet?
Fiber optic internet is an internet connection that uses fiber optics to transmit data. It is a newer technology than traditional cable or ADSL connections and offers faster speeds, greater reliability, and better security than other types of internet service. Fiber optic cables are made of strands of glass or plastic that use light signals to send information, allowing for much faster transmission rates than traditional copper cables.
Additionally, fiber optic technology is more reliable than copper because it doesn’t experience interference from electrical signals like other internet services do. Finally, fiber optic networks are extremely secure compared to traditional networks since they use light pulses instead of electricity to transmit data.
Choosing a fiber optic internet connection is an excellent way to ensure that you have the reliable, secure, and ultra-fast speeds you need for your home or business. With its numerous advantages, fiber optics is the perfect choice for those who want the best internet performance. But it's important to be aware of the pros and cons of fiber optics before deciding - read on to learn more!
Pros and Cons of Fiber Optics
At FieldEngineer.com, you will find a wide bank of Fiber Optics experts to work on installing your fiber optic internet for your business. You must understand the advantages of fiber optics and the disadvantages of fiber optics before you invest, so we've put together a comprehensive list to help!
Advantages of Fiber Optics
- Quality connections are a must for a business looking for high-speed internet. Fiber optic internet allows you to get the quality that you need. Electromagnetic interference is caused by electromagnetic radiation on the outside. Fiber optics are resistant to this, which will enable you to have high connection quality.
- Compared to other connection options, fiber optics are scalable and can grow with your business. The wavelengths can be switched on and off as you need them to be, enabling you to grow your business as you please. Optical fibers are lighter than the traditional copper wiring options, and fiber can be placed up to 20 years in advance.
- Highly secure, fiber optics do not give off any signals. You can guarantee that your data will be secure because of the fact that there is no way to listen in on the light pulses as they transmit. It's much easier to maintain your organization's security when you use fiber optics, and a skilled fiber optic engineer can confirm it.
- While the investment into fiber optics may seem steep, fiber optic networks do not require the same investment as the copper networks. The chance to scale outweighs the cost of financing, and this should still come down over time as fiber optics become more popular.
Disadvantages of Fiber Optics
As with anything, there are disadvantages to consider before you invest in new fiber optic internet for your business.
- As fiber is lighter and thinner than another metal wiring, it's important to note that it is prone to physical damage. Fiber optic cables are easy to cut accidentally when building renovations are going on, and even just one cut cable can be disruptive. It's important to note this before installation so that you can mark where the wires are for the future.
- The costs of fiber optics are lower over the long term, but they are still expensive to install. You need to have specialist equipment to check all is working as it should, and you also need to have the right worker on hand to set up the fiber optics equipment for you. This can cost more than you expect and so it can help to be aware of what you need to include in your budget.
- When too much light is pulsed through the wires and meets with an imperfection in the glass fibers, a fiber fuse occurs. This can destroy cables in a very short amount of time.
- There are excellent reasons to get fiber optics, but one disadvantage is in the fact that it can only propagate light in one direction. When this happens, data and communication can only move in one direction, so you need to lay more than one cable to achieve information going both ways.
These disadvantages should be considered, but fiber optics are taking over very quickly. It wouldn't be good to be behind, so speaking to an expert at FieldEngineer.com today will make a big difference.
