The Role of Optical Technology in Telecommunication We all live in a world of digitalization, as they say, “the future is near” but the future is here already. There are so many inventions we have that it was even impossible to even think about 10 years ago. But there is still a long path ahead of us; we are going to see so many technologies still. Optical technology is one of the biggest contributors to the many advanced gadgets we use. After the first introduction of lowloss optical technology in the 1990s, the demands have grown massively. Almost every device we use is made of optical technology and that is why we are able to live a productive and easy life without any worries.
Fiber optic cable is what optical technology is. Because of these cables, so many doors of possibilities have opened. Fiber optic cables are used in many important fields- communication, medical field, military and space applications, and internet and cable TV connections and in computer networking. Telecommunication is one of the most profitable fields of optical technology. When metal wires were used for communications, there were so many problems in this field such as- problems with installation, poor transition, the problem of tapping a wire and many other hazards. Fiber optic cable is beyond all of these problems… • •
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Fiber optic cable is made of glass or plastic threads and that is why they are much lighter in weight thus, it is easier to install and also can be easily produced. These cables are more productive than metal wires. Because fiber optic cables have greater bandwidth and that is why each of the threads of these cables can carry 25, 000 calls in them. So, the whole cable can carry several million calls. Fiber optic cable is also able to multitasking that means one cable can carry video call, audio call and other data as well.
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Fiber optic copper is known to use less energy than copper wires that means the cable is immune to many dangers that was a risk of metal wires. Tapping the fiber optic cable is not possible, because these cables are impossible to splice and they also do not pick on electromagnetic fields, so no one can hack these cables. Unlike the metal wires, fiber optic makes it impossible to remotely detect the signal being transmitted within the cable. The best reason for switching to optical fiber is the superior signal integrity, by which there are long-distance calls available. Fiber optic cables are designed for future applications needs. For the long-term success of telecommunications, fiber optic cables are more durable than the metal wires. Optical fiber sends signal digitally not analogically, which helps because it is the original form of computer data And the best reason to go for fiber optic cables is saving money. Because these cables are less expensive than copper wires.
So, you can see why fiber optic cables are clearly a better option than other options. The medium of transmitting calls and other data is light and that is why these cables are ideal for long-distance connections. The transmitting speed is almost as fast as the speed of light, only 31 percent slower. The optical communication system has three components-
Transmitter- This converts and transmits the electronic signals into light signals. Receivers- this device has a photo-detector that converts light into electricity using a photoelectric effect.
Optic Fiber- Optical fiber has glass threads and inside it has a core and cladding on the outside. The cladding helps the light signal to stay inside and transmit data completely by reflection.
What is fiber optic communications? This is an optical technology that is said before, which uses light to transmit information through cable from one point to another. Because of the wide range of advantages compared to other options, fiber optic technology, the growth of fiber optic communication is increasing at a rapid speed. And not only in communications, but optical fibers are going to be more high-tech in the upcoming years. In 2020, 5G is coming with more high-speed internet browsing facility. AI or Artificial Intelligence is also a big project of optical technology, which will be a big part of our life. Because the aim of inventing AI is to assist human being in their daily life. Not only this, but optical fiber will also have many advantages in the future as well.