'A relatively new technology with vast potential importance, fiber optics is the
channeled transmission of light through hair-thin glass fibers.'
[ Less expensive than copper cables
[ Raw material is silica sand
[ Less expensive to maintain
[ If damaged, restoration time is faster
(although more users are affected)
[ Backbone to the Information Superhighway
Information (data and voice) is transmitted through the fiber digitally by the use
of high speed LASERs (Light Amplification through the Simulated Emission of
Radiation) or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Each of these methods create a highly
focused beam of light that is cycled on and off at very high speeds. Computers at the
transmitting end convert data or voice into 'bits' of information. The information is
then sent through the fiber by the presence, or lack, of light. Computers on the
receiving end convert the light back into data or voice, so it can be used.
ORIGIN OF FIBER OPTICS
Information (data and voice) is transmitted through the fiber digitally by the use
of high speed LASERs (Light Amplification through the Simulated Emission of
Radiation) or LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). Each of these methods create a highly
focused beam of light that is cycled on and off at very high speeds. Computers at the
transmitting end convert data or voice into 'bits' of information. The information is
then sent through the fiber by the presence, or lack, of light. So, all of the data is sent
light pulses. Computers on the receiving end convert the light back into data or voice,
so it can be used.
All of this seems to be a very 'modern' concept, and the technology we use is.
The concept though, was the idea of Alexander Graham Bell in the late 1800's. He just
didn't have a dependable light source...