The Future of Fiber Optics
Since its invention,
fiber-optics has become a very important part of modern day communication. Over
the next few years, fiber optics will continue to replace copper as the
communications standard. With the development of the 20 dB/km fiber,
fiber-optics became a feasible method of transmitting data. With its high speed
data transfer rates which can out perform copper wire, optical fiber will
certainly become the new standard for transmitting data.
Fiber-optic technology is constantly improving and one of the biggest hurdles is
trying to lower the attenuation of the cable. As the attenuation goes down, the
longer a single piece of cable will be without a repeater. This in turn will
offer a faster transmission rate. To help cut down on problems with the cable,
all the cables are covered with a cladding to help prevent power loss and to
protect the cable. Outside of the cladding is a buffer coating which serves to
protect the cable and add to its strength to prevent breakage. As the
manufacturing processes improve, the newer, high grade optical fibers will begin
to replace the current copper cable networks.
As the new optical fibers are being strung, many telecommunications companies
are joining forces to share the cost of laying in the optical networks. With the
television and telephone companies joining together, new technologies will begin
to show up. Video phones, and video conferencing will likely become common in
many households. Shopping at home, and television on demand will replace the
current cable television systems of today.
Telecommunications is not the only application of fiber optics. Many companies
have been putting fiber optics in their assembly line computers. This is for the
simple reason that light does not have problems with electromagnetic
interference that is such a problem for copper wires. Optical fiber is also
being used for security, and measurement of a system like the changing
temperature and wind velocity on a bridge in real time. With all of these
possible applications of fiber optics, it will become one of the most active and
important technologies for this decade and many to come.