Optical fiber cables, how do they work? | ICT #3
How Do Optical Fiber Cables Work?
Introduction to Optical Fiber Cables
- The narrator introduces the concept of optical fiber cables, explaining their role in global communication by transmitting data quickly across vast distances.
- Optical fibers are made up of thousands of thin strands, comparable in thickness to a human hair, and they carry information as light.
Fundamental Behaviors of Light
- The speed of light changes when it passes through different media, which is quantified by the refractive index.
- Refraction occurs when light transitions between materials with different refractive indices; this bending effect can be observed using a prism.
Total Internal Reflection
- Total internal reflection is explained as a phenomenon that allows light to be confined within optical fibers if it strikes at an angle greater than the critical angle.
- This principle enables effective transmission over long distances regardless of the fiber's shape, relying on high refractive index glass and low refractive index air.
Structure and Functionality of Optical Fibers
- A protective coating is necessary for optical fibers; introducing cladding (low refractive index glass) allows for total internal reflection while providing protection.
- Signal attenuation limits transmission distance; amplifiers are used to boost signal strength due to absorption and scattering losses.
Transmission of Information
- Information such as text messages is converted into binary code (zeros and ones), which are then transmitted as electromagnetic waves.
- Local cell towers convert these waves into light pulses that travel through optical fiber networks laid globally under land and ocean.
Global Infrastructure and Comparison with Copper Cables
- Major telecommunications companies maintain extensive submarine cable networks essential for global connectivity.
- Amplifiers within cables receive power from a copper shell inside the cable, ensuring continuous operation even underwater.
Advantages of Optical Fiber Over Copper Cables
Optical Fiber Cables and Data Security
Key Features of Optical Fiber Cables
- Minimal Interaction with External Signals: The internal structure of optical fiber cables prevents external signals from interacting with the light traveling within, enhancing data integrity.
- High Data Security: Due to their design, optical fibers significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized access or interception of data.
- Limited Side Light Transmission: Any light that enters the cable from the side has a minimal chance of being transmitted along the fiber, further securing the data against eavesdropping.
- Implications for Communication Systems: These features make optical fiber cables an ideal choice for secure communication systems where data protection is paramount.