These pulses carry binary data, which is a coding system that makes up everything we see on the Internet, even the words you are reading right now. Light is transmitted down the fiber in LED or Laser pulses that travel extremely fast. Both these terms refer to how the glass bends ( refraction)and therefore slows down the light. The cladding keeps the light in the core because the glass/plastic it is made of has a different optical density or lower refractive index. It is when the light hits the glass at an extremely shallow angle, less than 42 degrees, and reflects back again as if reflecting against a mirror. Total internal reflection is how light is able to move down the fibers, without escaping. These two parts work together to create a phenomenon called total internal reflection. The Cladding: Usually made of a thicker layer of plastic or glass, the cladding is wrapped around the core.The Core:Usually made of glass, the core is the innermost part of the fiber, where the light passes through.Though they are thin, they have a lot going on. These fibers are extremely thin, to be specific they are less than a tenth as thick as a human hair. Optical Fibersįiber cables are made up of many smaller optical fibers. By sending a beam of light through fiber optic glass cables, we are able to transfer information through what is a truly fascinating process. When we refer to “fiber” in this guide we are talking about fiber optic Internet, which is a form of fiber-optic communications. Short Cutsįiber Terms Glossary Are you in the Lightwave Zone? Use our Lightwave Locator to Find Out! OTELCO’s Fiber 101 Video In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about fiber Internet, including how it works and the challenges associated with it. Powered by fiber optic technology, fiber Internet is blowing its competitors out of the water. Broadband is essential to the modern world we live in. It uses fiber-optic technology to reach the fastest speeds available today, as fast as 1000 Mbps (1Gpbs). Fiber optic Internet is the future of broadband.įiber optic Internet is the future of broadband.

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