Originally, a device known as the 'photophone' was used to transmit sound. This replaced Thomas .A. Edison's 'phonograph. Since the development of optical fibres 'photo phones' and 'phonographs' are no longer used or needed.
Optical fibres have many advantages; they enable the sound messages to carry for 50km without any need for a repeater unlike other optical communication systems, which need repeaters at 1km intervals.
Optical fibres have replaced other methods of communication for many reasons, some listed below.
*Capacity
Optical fibres can carry signals with much less energy than copper cable and with a much higher bandwidth. This means that fibres can carry more channels of information over longer distances with fewer repeaters required.
*Size and weight
Optical fibre cables are much lighter and thinner than copper cables with the same bandwidth. This means that much less space is requires in underground cabling ducts. Also they are easier for installation engineers to handle.
Optical fiber core
English: A laser bouncing down a perspex rod illus...
Green turtle, Chelonia mydas and his Total interna...*Security
Optical fibres are much more difficult to tap information from undetected; a great advantage for banks and security installations. They are immune to Electromagnetic interference from radio signals, car ignition systems, lighting etc. They can be routed safely through explosive or flammable atmosphere for example, in the petrochemical industries or munitions sites, without any risk of ignition.
*Running Costs
The main consideration in choosing fibre when installing domestic TV networks is the electrical bill. Although copper coaxial cable can handle the bandwidth requirement over short distances of a housing scheme, a copper system consumes far more electrical power than fibre, simply to carry the signals.
The signals sent and received are coded voice messages and computer data.
Optical fibres use light to carry information between too different sources. This system works on two key optical properties: Total internal reflection and refraction.
Optical fibres are used...
Comment on fiber optics
humm... not really informative. The fifth paragraph from the end is very confusing. Everything needs to be explained more in depth. Most paragraphs are too small to really give an accurate descriptin of anything.
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