Fun Facts about Fiber Optic Technology You Should Know, Pt 1

fiber optic cables

Not all cables are made of copper. Some of them consist of bundles of thin strands of glass or silica. Known as fibre optic cables, they are commonly used in the aerospace, telecommunications, and medical industries. They serve as pathways for data. While there are other types of data-transmitting cables available, fibre optic cables are unique in several ways.

Here are some interesting facts about this amazing technology:

1. Medical Practitioners Pioneered the Use of Fiber Optics

The use of fibre optics in medical applications began during the 1950s. Doctors used fibre optics to look into a patient’s body without having to make an incision. In the 1960s, fibre optics was used in endoscopes. Endoscopes are medical devices that are used to look inside a patient’s body.

With the use of fibre optics, doctors could look inside the body without having to make an incision. In the 1970s, fibre optics were used for medical lasers. Lasers are used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. They have many treatment applications—from acne to cancer. The use of fibre optics in medical lasers helped doctors treat patients with greater precision.

2. Fiber Optic Cables Are about the Diameter of a Human Hair

Fibre optic cables are extremely thin. They are about the diameter of a human hair. The thinness of fibre optic cables makes them ideal for use in data transmission. They can be used in various applications, including telecommunications, aerospace and medicine.

3. There are about 1.3 Million Kilometers of Fiber Optic Cable Installed around the World

Fibre optic cable is installed in underground and underwater cables, telephone lines, and computer networks. The vast majority of fibre optic cable is installed in underground and submarine cables. 

4. The Vast Majority of Internet Traffic Is Transmitted over Fiber Optic Cables

The vast majority of Internet traffic is transmitted over fibre optic cables. Fibre optic cables have the capacity to carry more data than copper cables. They can also transmit data over longer distances. Fibre optic cables are used to connect Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to their customers.

5. Data Travels Faster through Fiber Optic Cables

Fibre optic cables can carry data at much higher speeds than copper cables. Fibre optic cables can carry data at speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). This is much faster than the speeds that can be achieved with copper cables.

6. Fiber Optic Cables Are Less Likely to Catch Fire

Fibre optic cables are made of glass or plastic. These materials are less likely to catch fire than copper cables.

Conclusion

Fibre optic technology is an incredible feat of engineering. It allows for near-instantaneous communication over long distances and can carry huge amounts of data. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, fibre optic cables are vulnerable to damage and signal loss, so they must be carefully maintained.

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