Optical fiber cables, how do they work? | ICT #3

Summary

This educational video explores the fascinating world of optical fiber cables, which enable the rapid transmission of data across the globe. It explains how light, guided by the principle of total internal reflection, travels through these thin strands, revolutionizing communication. The video delves into the construction of optical fibers, the role of refractive index, and the importance of attenuation and signal boosters. It also contrasts fiber optics with traditional copper cables, highlighting the former's superior speed, bandwidth, and security. The script concludes by noting the initial use of optical fibers in endoscopy before their widespread adoption in telecommunications.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Global communication is facilitated by a network of optical fiber cables laid under the ground and beneath the ocean.
• 💡 Optical fiber cables transmit data using light, which is faster and more efficient than traditional copper cables.
• 🔬 The core principle behind optical fibers is total internal reflection, where light is reflected within the cable without loss.
• 🌟 The refractive index, which can be manipulated with dopants, determines how light bends and is crucial for total internal reflection.
• 📶 Information such as phone calls and internet data are converted into binary code and transmitted as light pulses through optical fibers.
• 🌊 Submarine optical fiber cables are protected by a mechanical structure and use a copper shell to carry electric power for amplifiers.
• 🔋 Amplifiers are necessary to boost signal strength over long distances due to attenuation caused by absorption and scattering.
• 🛡️ Optical fiber cables offer high data security as external light signals have minimal chance of being transmitted along the cable.
• 🏅 Optical fibers provide superior performance over copper cables in terms of bandwidth, speed, and resistance to electromagnetic interference.
• 🏥 The technology was first used in endoscopy before its widespread adoption in telecommunications for transmitting both digital and analog signals.

Q & A

What is the primary function of optical fiber cables?

Optical fiber cables are used to transmit data in the form of light over long distances, revolutionizing communication by enabling the rapid exchange of information globally.

How are optical fiber cables different from traditional copper cables?

Optical fiber cables use light to transmit data, providing larger bandwidth and higher speeds than copper cables. They also offer better resistance to electromagnetic interference and higher data security.

What is the basic material used in the construction of optical fibers?

Both the core and the cladding of optical fibers use silica as their base material, with different types of dopants added to achieve the desired refractive index.

What phenomenon allows light to be transmitted over long distances within an optical fiber?

Total internal reflection is the key phenomenon that allows light to be transmitted over long distances within an optical fiber, as it confines the light within the fiber core.

Why is a protective coating necessary for optical fibers?

A protective coating is necessary to prevent the total internal reflection phenomenon from being disrupted by the introduction of a protective material, which would otherwise replace the low refractive index air and cease the reflection.

What causes signal attenuation in optical fiber cables?

Signal attenuation in optical fibers is caused by absorption and scattering, which are the main reasons for the loss of signal strength over distance.

How are amplifiers used in optical fiber communication?

Amplifiers are used to boost the signal strength in optical fiber communication, allowing signals to be transmitted over long distances. They are powered by nearby sources or, in the case of undersea cables, by a thin copper shell inside the cable.

How is information encoded and transmitted through optical fibers?

Information is encoded into binary code, represented as a sequence of zeros and ones, which are then transmitted as electromagnetic waves. These are converted into light pulses by cell towers and transmitted through optical fibers.

Who are some of the global players that own and maintain the submarine cable network?

AT&T, Orange, and Verizon are among the global players that own and maintain the submarine cable network, which is crucial for global communication.

What is the significance of the mechanical structure in an undersea cable?

The mechanical structure in an undersea cable serves to protect and provide strength to the cable, with only a small portion of the cable dedicated to holding the optical fibers.

How was optical fiber first used before its application in telecommunications?

Optical fiber was first used in endoscopy for transmitting visual signals in an analog form, before its widespread adoption in telecommunications for digital pulse transmission.