Exposed Wires: The Complexities Of Electrical Installation

The Benefits of Fibre Optic Cables

26 January 2016

Loretta Hughes

Described simply as the technology involving the transmission of data through light impulses on a thin wire, fibre optics is revolutionizing the world of electronics and information transmission. You may have seen rudimentary fibre optic lights on Christmas trees or wands with hundreds of thin plastic strands and a light on the end, but its use is far more widespread than holiday decorations. If you're debating investing in fibre optic cable (as opposed to copper) or simply trying to learn more about the medium, make sure to check out the following advantages that make it so highly desired.

Greater Transmission Speed

As mentioned earlier, signals on a fibre optic cable are transferred through light— and almost everyone knows that there is little that surpasses the speed of light! As a result, the information or data is conveyed much quicker, and additionally, there is little possibility of signal loss (unlike with other wire materials).

By using light as a medium, fibre optics are also able to send more data over longer distances and with less hardware.

Security

It's hard to deny that security is increasingly important in the digital age, and with the advent of complex hacking techniques and programs, protecting confidential information is increasingly important. Thankfully, fibre optic cable provides a solution for at least some of these issues. Because the signal does not radiate or escape from the cable itself, it is virtually "untappable." On the off chance that someone does hack into it physically, the system will leak light and inevitably fail— obviously alerting you to the unauthorized entry.

Long-term Cost

Although a copper system will cost more than a fibre optic cable upfront, the costs will more than even out or lean in favor of the latter in the long run. This has to do with the minimal maintenance required for fibre optic cables and their virtual immunity to many environmental factors that would corrode other materials. The core of the cable is made of glass, which unlike copper, cannot rust or decay. This makes it the perfect material for undersea cables since its inner workings are almost impermeable.

Higher Capacity

In comparison to copper wires, fibre optics are much thinner and have a smaller diameter. This allows them to be more tightly packed in greater numbers than their counterparts and results in fewer cables and wasted space in your home. Phone lines, TV cables, or internet service can all be bundled together.

For more information, talk to a professional like A.J.C. Electrical Service Pty Ltd.

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